Mumbaikars awoke to an intense downpour and ominous skies this morning, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a series of weather alerts for the city. In a statement at 8:13 a.m., the IMD warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall expected to last for the next few hours, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h. Residents were urged to exercise caution while venturing outdoors.
Prior to that, at around 3 a.m., the weather office noted on X (formerly Twitter) that light to moderate rainfall would continue across Mumbai and its suburbs for several hours. The IMD escalated its alerts around 12:40 a.m., issuing an orange to red alert for moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
The forecast for today suggests a generally overcast sky with substantial rainfall. The minimum temperature is anticipated to be around 24°C, while the maximum could reach approximately 31°C. Eight weather stations in Mumbai, including Borivali, Santacruz, and Colaba, are currently operating under a red alert. Meanwhile, stations in Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan are under an orange alert.
In a precautionary move, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on standby throughout the city. Rainfall measurements taken between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. reveal significant accumulation across various locations: Nariman Point reported 40 mm, Grant Road saw 36 mm, and Colaba received 31 mm, among other totals. Some light rainfall was also observed in the eastern and western suburbs. Notably, Raigad district is under a red alert as per the latest Nowcast warnings.
The southwest monsoon, marking its early arrival this year, began its onset in Maharashtra on Sunday, making it one of the earliest in 35 years. The heavy rains have caused operational disruptions in the city, particularly in suburban train services. A spokesperson for the Central Railway mentioned delays of eight to ten minutes due to reduced speeds amid poor visibility. On the other hand, while the Western Railway reported that its suburban services were largely unaffected, commuters have still voiced concerns over delays on social media.
With weather conditions continuing to evolve, residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and take necessary precautions during their daily routines. The intensity of the rainfall serves as a stark reminder of the impact of the monsoon season on Mumbai, highlighting the city’s vulnerabilities and the need for preparedness.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/ndrf-on-alert-after-heavy-pouring-in-mumbai/article69619817.ece
Category : Mumbai
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-05-26 09:33:00
