Mumbai under yellow alert as heavy rains set to continue
Mumbai began Thursday under steady showers and an IMD yellow alert, with forecasters warning of heavier spells in the days ahead. Suburbs from Bandra to Thane reported early morning downpours, slowing traffic and raising flood concerns in vulnerable pockets. The weather agency has cautioned that the wet spell will continue until at least 16 August, with fluctuating intensity and high humidity expected to dominate the city’s conditions.
The day began with steady rainfall across the city, particularly in the eastern and western suburbs, slowing commuter traffic and raising concerns over waterlogging in low-lying areas. Data from the IMD indicated that maximum temperatures in the city will hover around 30°C in the day and 25°C at night, with humidity levels creating an uncomfortably damp atmosphere. According to the forecast, Bandra, Dadar, Worli, the Bandra–Kurla Complex, Chembur and Kurla are likely to experience heavier spells within concentrated intervals. While South Mumbai remained relatively dry in the early hours, meteorologists cautioned against complacency, citing rapidly shifting rain bands driven by monsoon winds over the Arabian Sea. The weather service has also projected significant rainfall for Borivali, Malad, Kandivali, Goregaon, Andheri, the Andheri–Ghatkopar corridor, Mulund and Thane through the day.
The impact of Wednesday’s downpour was still visible, with several arterial roads showing signs of overnight waterlogging. This has prompted the city’s municipal corporation to activate its flood response units, ensuring that drainage channels remain unclogged to prevent prolonged stagnation. Climate experts pointed out that Mumbai’s recurring waterlogging woes are not merely a function of rainfall volume but a reflection of outdated drainage capacity, rapid urbanisation, and inadequate rainwater harvesting measures. Looking ahead, the IMD expects Mumbai to witness heavy rain on 14 August under thick cloud cover, followed by moderate showers on 15 and 16 August. A brief surge in rainfall intensity is projected for 17 August, with widespread precipitation likely to persist through 18 and 19 August. Day temperatures during this period are expected to dip marginally to around 28°C, offering some respite from the muggy conditions, though higher relative humidity will sustain discomfort levels.
Urban planners and environmental analysts have reiterated calls for sustainable stormwater management and integrated rainwater reuse strategies to mitigate flooding risks. With the city’s vulnerability to climate-induced extreme weather events increasing, experts stress that resilience planning, from flood-resilient infrastructure to public awareness — is no longer optional but essential. For residents, the immediate priority remains navigating a week of unpredictable monsoon activity, as Mumbai readies itself for yet another test of its civic preparedness in the face of seasonal rains.
