Mumbai on red alert: Rain jams roads, sends weather searches soaring

Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and Palghar, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds as the southwest monsoon intensifies across Maharashtra.

Mumbai and neighbouring Palghar are under a red alert after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of thunderstorms, lightning, intense to very intense rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–60 kmph on Wednesday.

The alert comes a day after the southwest monsoon finally reached Mumbai, ending a prolonged wait for the city. The monsoon arrived on June 23, 13 days later than its normal onset date of June 10. According to IMD records, only 2023 saw a later arrival in recent years, when the monsoon reached Mumbai on June 25. The longest delays were recorded in 1958 and 1974, when the monsoon arrived on June 28.

In its latest update, the IMD said the southwest monsoon has advanced across the remaining parts of the central Arabian Sea and further into Maharashtra, including Mumbai, while also covering additional areas of Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar.

Despite the heavy rainfall, Mumbai's transport network remained largely operational. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said all major subways were open and suburban railway services continued without disruption. BEST bus operations also functioned normally, although several major roads witnessed traffic congestion due to persistent rain.

Rainfall measurements recorded across the city reflected the intensity of the downpour. Nair Hospital in central Mumbai received the highest rainfall at 78.96 mm between 8 am and 7 pm, followed closely by NM Joshi Marg-Lower Parel with 78.4 mm and Parel TT with 72.63 mm.

In the western suburbs, Malad Bus Depot recorded 61.8 mm of rainfall, while Maharashtranagar in Mankhurd received 51.2 mm. The widespread showers provided relief from the summer heat but also raised concerns about waterlogging and travel disruptions as the monsoon strengthens.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, monitor weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms. The red alert indicates the possibility of severe weather conditions that could affect daily life across Mumbai and surrounding areas.