24 June,2026 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The heavy rainfall comes just a day after the southwest monsoon made its onset over Mumbai. Pic/PTI
Mumbai witnessed one of its heaviest spells of rainfall this monsoon season, with both the Colaba and Santacruz observatories recording more than 200 mm of rain in the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Wednesday.
According to official rainfall data, the Colaba observatory recorded 248 mm of rainfall between 8 am on June 23 and 8 am on June 24, while the Santacruz observatory registered 225 mm during the same period.
The heavy rainfall comes just a day after the southwest monsoon made its onset over Mumbai, bringing relief from the prolonged spell of humid weather but also triggering flooding concerns across several neighbourhoods.
The latest spell accounted for a substantial portion of Mumbai's total rainfall for June.
Data showed that Colaba has received 542 mm of rainfall so far this month, with nearly 45 per cent of that amount falling in the last 24 hours alone. Similarly, Santacruz has recorded 537 mm of rainfall in June, of which approximately 42 per cent was received during the same period.
The figures underline the intensity of the rainfall event, which rapidly increased monthly rainfall totals and tested the city's drainage infrastructure.
Meteorologists said such concentrated rainfall over a short duration can lead to flooding even when seasonal rainfall levels remain within expected limits.
In view of the continuing rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for Mumbai and adjoining districts early on Wednesday morning.
The nowcast warning forecast moderate to intense spells of rain over Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar and Sindhudurg and advised residents to exercise caution while travelling.
The broader weather alert for the day placed Mumbai, its suburbs and Palghar under a red alert, indicating the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. Thane remained under an orange alert, while Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg were placed under a yellow alert.
Authorities have urged citizens to monitor official weather updates and avoid venturing into waterlogged areas unless necessary.
The overnight downpour resulted in waterlogging across multiple low-lying areas of Mumbai and neighbouring Navi Mumbai.
Several roads witnessed slow-moving traffic as rainwater accumulated during the early morning hours. Civic authorities deployed teams to monitor vulnerable locations and ensure that drainage systems remained operational.
One of the worst-affected locations was the Andheri subway, which was closed to vehicular traffic after being inundated by rainwater following continuous rainfall.
Officials said efforts were underway to drain the accumulated water and restore normal traffic movement.
Despite the heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas, Mumbai's suburban railway network continued to function normally during the morning peak hours.
Western Railway said local train services on major routes, including the Harbour Line and the Churchgate-Dahanu corridor, were operating without disruption.
The uninterrupted rail operations provided relief to thousands of commuters who depend on the suburban network for daily travel.
With more rainfall forecast over the coming days, civic agencies and disaster management teams remain on alert as the monsoon strengthens across Mumbai and the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
