Mumbai Braces for Heavy Rainfall as IMD Issues Orange Alert

Mumbai is gearing up for significant rainfall today, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for the city and its suburbs. The forecast indicates heavy to very heavy showers at isolated locations, accompanied by cloudy skies throughout the day. The IMD’s latest nowcast warning, issued on Wednesday, predicts moderate to intense rain spells in Mumbai and neighboring districts like Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri over the next few hours.

Following intense rainfall since Monday, Mumbai has already experienced disruptions, with waterlogging slowing traffic in several areas. The IMD reported that the city recorded 47.77 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8 AM on Wednesday, with the western suburbs receiving 53.92 mm and the eastern suburbs 33.10 mm. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised residents to stay cautious, particularly in low-lying areas prone to flooding.

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The BMC also issued a high tide advisory, noting a tide of 4.57 meters expected at 11:57 AM today, followed by another at 11:36 PM measuring 3.87 meters. Low tides are forecasted at 5:48 PM with a height of 1.67 meters and at 5:47 AM on Friday at 0.37 meters. Authorities have urged residents to avoid coastal areas during high tide periods.

The heavy rainfall has boosted water levels in the seven reservoirs supplying Mumbai, with the BMC reporting a collective stock of 86.88 percent, equivalent to 1,257,442 million liters, as of Wednesday. This increase follows significant rainfall in the catchment areas of Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes.