Mumbai weather update: IMD issues yellow alert; brace for heavy rain, thunderstorms till July 2

IMD has also issued yellow alerts for Mumbai’s neighbouring districts: Thane, Palghar, and Raigad. FILE PIC

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and surrounding areas, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (kmph) till Monday morning. The alert comes as an active monsoon spell is expected to intensify across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) over the coming days.

According to the latest forecast issued at 2.05 pm on Sunday, Mumbai can expect thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) along with heavy rainfall at isolated places on Monday, June 29. Similar conditions with moderate rainfall and strong winds (40-50 kmph) are predicted on Tuesday, June 30, and Wednesday, July 1, while heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places on Thursday, July 2. Citizens have been advised to remain cautious, especially during evening and night hours when thunderstorm activity peaks.

IMD has also issued yellow alerts for Mumbai's neighbouring districts: Thane, Palghar, and Raigad.

Thane: Thunderstorms with lightning, moderate rain, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) are very likely on all five days, starting Sunday, with heavy rainfall possible on July 2.

Palghar: Thunderstorms and moderate rain with winds (30-40 kmph) today, escalating to stronger gusts (40-50 kmph) mid-week and heavy rain on July 2.

Raigad: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) is very likely over the next few days, with potential for heavy to very heavy spells later in the week.

IMD officials have highlighted risks of localised waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and minor flooding in low-lying areas of Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Vasai-Virar. Strong winds may lead to uprooting of weak trees or damage to temporary structures. Coastal areas could experience squally weather and rough sea conditions, affecting fishing and ferry operations.

Weather forecast for the rest of Maharashtra

Several other districts across Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Nashik, and parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada are under similar very likely thunderstorm warnings.

Konkan (Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg): Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at isolated places, with persistent thunderstorm activity.

Pune Division and ghats: Active spells with moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds; heavy rainfall warning for Pune Ghats.

Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon: Thunderstorms with lightning and moderate rain expected, with gusty winds.

Vidarbha: Widespread thunderstorm activity with chances of heavy rain at isolated spots, especially in Chandrapur, Buldhana, and Yavatmal.

Safety advisory

IMD has outlined several expected impacts under ‘heavy rainfall and thunderstorm' categories, including flash floods, disruption to road, rail, and air traffic, damage to horticulture/crops, and landslides in ghat areas. Lightning poses a significant risk during thunderstorms.

IMD has appealed to residents to:

Avoid open fields, tall trees, and water bodies during storms.

Check traffic updates before travel and follow advisories.

Unplug electrical appliances and secure loose objects.

Farmers should expedite harvesting of mature crops, protect stored produce, and avoid irrigation or spraying.

Keep livestock indoors during thunderstorms.

Residents can remain updated on IMD's official websites: mausam.imd.gov.in or contact local authorities, as conditions may change.