Mumbai rain set to intensify; IMD issues red alert as high tide threat adds to flooding concerns
Mumbai is bracing for another round of intense monsoon weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that rainfall is likely to strengthen across the city and neighbouring regions over the next several hours.
Authorities have issued a Red Alert for Mumbai and adjoining areas, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel as heavy rain and a significantly high tide raise concerns about flooding.
According to weather officials, rainfall activity is expected to pick up gradually, beginning in South Mumbai before spreading across Navi Mumbai, the western and eastern suburbs, and Thane. Forecasts indicate Navi Mumbai could receive some of the heaviest downpours during the latest spell.
The warning comes after relentless rain disrupted normal life in several parts of the city, with waterlogging reported at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Kurla and traffic slowing on multiple roads as motorists navigated flooded stretches.
The IMD has forecast moderate to intense spells of rain at isolated locations in Mumbai and the Raigad district while cautioning that heavy to very heavy rainfall could continue through Sunday. The weather department has specifically issued a Red Alert for the Greater Mumbai region for July 5.
Adding to the concern is a high tide expected at 3.22 pm, with sea levels forecast to reach 4.19 metres. Civic authorities fear that heavy rainfall coinciding with the tide could aggravate water accumulation in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
State Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan appealed to residents to remain cautious and step out only when necessary. He said emergency response teams, including NDRF and SDRF personnel, have been deployed across vulnerable locations and efforts are underway to keep roads and transport routes operational.
The minister also warned people against gathering along beaches and seafronts during rough weather, noting that several monsoon-related accidents occur when visitors ignore safety advisories and venture close to the sea.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde echoed the appeal, urging citizens to follow instructions issued by civic authorities and police after people were seen lingering near the shoreline despite repeated warnings.
The latest alert follows days of monsoon-related disruptions across the city. Earlier spells of heavy rain and strong winds led to multiple incidents of fallen trees and traffic snarls. The season has also witnessed tragedy, including the death of an 11-year-old student after a tree collapsed onto a school bus in Chembur.
With the Red Alert now in effect and weather conditions expected to worsen, authorities have advised residents to stay updated through official advisories, avoid waterlogged routes and postpone non-essential travel. Citizens facing emergencies can contact the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's helpline at 1916.