Mumbai Braces for Heavy Rainfall as IMD Issues Yellow Alert

Mumbai, August 20, 2025 – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and its surrounding districts, forecasting heavy rainfall in isolated areas on Thursday. The warning, announced by the Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai, also covers Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, where heavy showers are expected to persist through the weekend. Residents are urged to stay vigilant due to potential disruptions.

The IMD predicts a cloudy sky with intermittent moderate to heavy rain across Mumbai and its suburbs. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph may accompany the rainfall, particularly in isolated spots. The forecast aligns with a low-pressure system over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast, which has intensified weather activity in the region.

High tides are expected to compound concerns, with a 4.28-meter tide forecast for 3:04 pm on Thursday, followed by a low tide of 0.77 meters at 9:14 pm. On Friday, a high tide of 3.99 meters is anticipated at 3:54 am, with a low tide of 1.73 meters at 9:26 am. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised caution, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding during high tides.

The city’s water reservoirs have seen a significant boost from recent rainfall, with the BMC reporting that the seven lakes supplying Mumbai’s drinking water are at 89.38% capacity, holding 12,91,129 million liters as of August 14. This includes Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes.

The IMD’s forecast indicates that rainfall may ease by Thursday, but the yellow alert underscores the need for preparedness in Mumbai and neighboring areas as the monsoon season continues to impact daily life.