IMD Issues Yellow Alert In Mumbai; Pre-Monsoon Rains Reveal BMC’s Monsoon Prep Shortcomings
Mumbai: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for Mumbai and nearby regions, forecasting thunderstorms with lightning, moderate rainfall, and gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph on Thursday, May 15. The advisory, part of a broader weather update for the Konkan region, includes Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri districts. Except for Mumbai and Palghar, the alert extends through Friday, May 16.
Interior Maharashtra districts, meanwhile, are expected to experience heavier rainfall, prompting the IMD to issue an Orange Alert for areas such as Pune, Nashik, Satara, Sangli, and Ahilyanagar. Although the pre-monsoon showers have offered some respite from the intense summer heat, Mumbai’s coastal climate has seen a spike in humidity levels.
On Wednesday, overcast conditions persisted in the city. The Santacruz weather station recorded a high of 34.6°C and a low of 26.3°C. According to IMD’s local bulletin, Mumbai and its suburbs will likely see similar temperatures over the next 48 hours, along with the possibility of thunderstorms and rainfall under partly cloudy skies.
The early showers have also sparked public concern over the city’s readiness for the upcoming monsoon. Instances of waterlogging in several areas after only brief rain have led residents to question the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) desilting efforts.
On Tuesday, light pre-monsoon rains were enough to flood parts of Saki Naka, Saki Vihar Road, and Kherani Road. Residents shared images and videos on social media platforms, criticizing the BMC for what they see as insufficient monsoon preparations. “I should buy a boat first,” quipped one Mumbaikar, posting footage of an auto-rickshaw navigating through a flooded street.
Similar complaints surfaced last week during the season’s first pre-monsoon showers. On May 8, the Saki Naka area faced severe disruption, with silt-covered roads, ongoing civic works, and flooding caused by minor rainfall. “We can only imagine what the situation will be when the monsoon hits in full force,” said Mandeep Singh Makkar, founder of the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association.