Mumbai Gears Up for Heavy Rains as IMD Issues Yellow Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and its surrounding areas, forecasting heavy rainfall over the next five days. The city, already accustomed to monsoon challenges, is preparing for potential disruptions as the weather system intensifies.
According to the IMD, Mumbai will experience heavy showers at isolated locations, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph. The alert, effective from Wednesday, June 18, through Sunday, June 22, advises residents to remain vigilant due to the likelihood of waterlogging and traffic congestion in low-lying areas. The forecast attributes the unsettled weather to a cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea and the early onset of the southwest monsoon, which arrived in Maharashtra on May 26.
Five-Day Weather Forecast for Mumbai:
June 18: Cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Maximum temperature around 32°C, minimum near 25°C.
June 19: Continued cloudy conditions with heavy showers at isolated spots. Gusty winds expected. Maximum temperature approximately 31°C, minimum around 24°C.
June 20: Partly cloudy with moderate rainfall and possible thunder. Maximum temperature near 32°C, minimum about 25°C.
June 21: Partly cloudy skies with chances of light to moderate rain. Maximum temperature around 33°C, minimum near 26°C.
June 22: Partly cloudy with a possibility of light showers or thunderstorms. Maximum temperature approximately 33°C, minimum around 26°C.
Recent Rainfall and Impacts
Mumbai has already faced significant rainfall this month, with Colaba recording 83.8 mm and Santacruz registering 87.5 mm since the monsoon’s early arrival. The heavy downpours have caused waterlogging in areas like Kurla, Sion, Dadar, and Parel, disrupting road and rail traffic. On June 16, Wadala recorded the highest rainfall in a 24-hour period at 161.4 mm, followed by Matunga at 147.55 mm, according to IMD data. Flight operations were also affected, with IndiGo and SpiceJet issuing advisories due to poor visibility and waterlogged routes to the airport.
The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Mumbai noted that the city’s air quality remains in the “good” category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 73 on June 18, as reported by the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app. Areas like Borivali, Byculla, and Worli recorded AQIs between 38 and 76, while Bandra Kurla Complex reported a “moderate” AQI of 109.Authorities advise Mumbai residents to stay cautious, avoid waterlogged areas, and monitor weather updates, while fishermen are urged to refrain from sea voyages due to rough conditions.
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