Mumbai and neighbouring Thane are set for another wet day on Thursday, July 9, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Yellow Alert for thunderstorms, lightning, moderate rainfall and squally winds across parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

While weather conditions are expected to improve compared with Wednesday's intense downpour, residents have been advised to remain cautious as intermittent showers and thunderstorms may still cause localised disruptions.

According to the IMD, Mumbai and Thane are likely to witness cloudy skies throughout the day, accompanied by light to moderate rainfall, isolated heavy spells and gusty winds during thunderstorm activity.

The Yellow Alert indicates the possibility of adverse weather that may temporarily disrupt normal life, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Although the city is expected to receive less rainfall than it did on Wednesday, the weather department has cautioned that occasional heavy showers cannot be ruled out, especially during thunderstorm activity.

Motorists have been urged to drive carefully on slippery roads, while commuters should factor in extra travel time in case of waterlogging, traffic congestion or reduced visibility.

Schools to remain shut as teachers protest over TET, BLO duties and promotion rules

Adding to Thursday's challenges, schools across Maharashtra are expected to witness widespread disruption after several teachers' associations called for a statewide school shutdown and protests over a series of long-pending demands.

Teachers' organisations have announced that schools in many parts of the state will remain closed as educators participate in demonstrations at district headquarters and a major dharna at Mumbai's Azad Maidan.

Among their key demands is exemption from the mandatory Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) for teachers appointed before 2013, arguing that they were recruited under the rules applicable at the time.

They have also urged the government to redesign the TET into a more practical, application-based examination that recognises teaching experience rather than relying heavily on rote learning.

The associations have further demanded complete exemption from Booth Level Officer (BLO) duties under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

According to teachers, election-related work takes them away from classrooms and hampers the quality of education by reducing valuable teaching time.

In addition, teachers have objected to the state's revised promotion and staffing norms.

They claim the new promotion policy does not adequately recognise seniority and experience, while the revised staffing framework could lead to fewer teachers being appointed in primary schools.

With rain, thunderstorms and statewide protests expected to coincide on July 9, parents, students, office-goers and commuters are advised to stay updated on official announcements, monitor local weather conditions and plan their travel and school schedules accordingly.