Mumbai is likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall till Monday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intense rains, strong winds and possible disruption to normal life across the city and adjoining districts.
The IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rain at several places, with isolated locations in Mumbai and its suburbs likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall. Gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are also expected.
Apart from Mumbai, heavy rainfall has been forecast for Raigad, Thane, Palghar, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg over the next two days.
According to the weather office, rainfall intensity is expected to increase from Saturday night, with the heaviest spell likely after midnight. Authorities have advised residents to remain alert, particularly in low-lying areas and along ghat roads, as waterlogging and traffic disruptions are expected.
On Saturday, as heavy rain lashed Thane and Palghar, there was widespread waterlogging and several incidents of tree and wall collapses. In Palghar's Mandovi area, 19 people were rescued from floodwaters by emergency teams.
Thane recorded 65.79 mm of rainfall between 8:30 am and 1:30 pm on Saturday, taking its seasonal total to 829.84 mm, while Palghar received 97.70 mm during the same period, pushing its seasonal rainfall to 643.10 mm. Several low-lying areas in Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Navi Mumbai and Badlapur were inundated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged people in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the Pune-Nashik belt to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow official weather advisories as heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue till Monday.
The IMD's Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the region, prompting the state government to issue weather alerts every three hours through SMS and other communication channels.
"We have requested people to avoid travel if possible so that accidents caused by heavy rain and storms can be prevented. Citizens should follow official alerts and venture out only in accordance with the advisories. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the state Disaster Management Cell are closely monitoring the situation," Fadnavis said.
State Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan said rescue and emergency response teams have been deployed across rain-affected areas to deal with any emergencies.
Noting that Mumbai had received over 200 mm of rainfall in 12 hours, Mahajan described it as an exceptionally heavy spell for the city. He appealed to residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from beaches, seafronts and other tourist spots.
The minister said personnel from the NDRF and the SDRF have been deployed at various locations, while civic teams have also been stationed near open manholes and are working to clear traffic disruptions. He cautioned people against venturing near the sea during high tide, and pointed out that many rain-related accidents occur when visitors ignore safety advisories or attempt to take selfies at dangerous locations.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also urged people to immediately vacate the Worli seafront after several residents and visitors were seen strolling along the promenade and sitting on parapets despite repeated warnings issued by the BMC and the police.
