Mumbai rains: IMD issues orange alert as heavy showers and strong winds continue

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Mumbai on Friday continues to experience intense spells of rain. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday has also issued an orange alert for the next few hours for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. The weather forecasting agency said that heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs is expected on Friday.

As per IMD, heavy spells of rain will be accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph, prompting authorities to issue an alert for residents to remain cautious.

Mumbai received average 117.06 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours

Mumbai has already witnessed persistent rainfall over the past several days. According to rainfall data recorded between 8:00 am on July 2 and 8:00 am on July 3, Mumbai and its suburbs in the last 24 hours have received 117.06 mm of rainfall.

Mandavi Fire Station in the last 24 hours recorded the highest rainfall at 150.2 mm, followed by Malabar Hill (145.8 mm), B Ward Office (140.8 mm), Memonwada Fire Station (140.2 mm), and the Municipal Head Office (139.2 mm).

In the Western Suburbs, Malpa Dongari Municipal School, Andheri, topped the rainfall chart with 136.6 mm, followed by K East Ward Office (134.6 mm), Versova WWTF & Lagoons (129.4 mm), Versova Pumping Station (128.8 mm), and Andheri Fire Station (128.6 mm).

High tides may hamper drainage facilities across Mumbai

According to the BMC, the day's high tide of 4.28 meters is expected at 2:18 pm, which could hamper the drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas if heavy showers coincide with the tidal peak. Another high tide of 3.68 meters is forecast at 2:09 am on July 4.

The day's low tides are scheduled at 8:22 pm (1.74 meters) and 7:44 am on July 4 (1.05 meters).

Waterlogging across key areas

The continuous rainfall has led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas, slowing vehicular movement and affecting commuters across the city. Civic agencies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), disaster management teams, traffic police, and emergency services, remain on standby to respond to incidents such as flooding, tree falls, and traffic congestion.

Authorities have urged citizens to monitor official weather updates, avoid venturing into waterlogged areas, secure loose outdoor objects due to strong winds, and stay away from the coastline during high tide hours.