Mumbai Gears Up for Heavy Rainfall as Monsoon Season Begins

Mumbai is preparing for significant rainfall as the monsoon season officially kicks off, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy showers starting June 19, 2025. The city is expected to experience persistent rain through the weekend, prompting authorities to issue alerts and urge residents to take precautions.

According to the IMD, a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is driving the monsoon’s early advance, bringing intense showers to Mumbai and surrounding areas. A yellow alert has been issued for the city, while nearby districts like Thane, Palghar, and Raigad face orange alerts due to the likelihood of heavier rainfall. The IMD’s Colaba observatory recorded 45 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending Wednesday morning, signaling the monsoon’s arrival.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has activated its disaster management teams to address potential waterlogging and traffic disruptions, common challenges during Mumbai’s monsoon season. Low-lying areas such as Sion, Dadar, and Andheri are particularly vulnerable to flooding, and the BMC has deployed pumps and cleared drains to mitigate risks. Residents have been advised to avoid non-essential travel and stay updated on weather warnings.

Local train services, critical to Mumbai’s daily commute, may face delays if rainfall intensifies, as seen in past monsoon seasons. The Western and Central Railways are closely monitoring tracks for waterlogging. Additionally, airlines like IndiGo have issued advisories, warning passengers of possible flight disruptions due to the weather.