Maharashtra is bracing for intense rainfall as the India Meteorology Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, indicating a heavy to very heavy downpour within the next 24 hours.
The districts under red alert include Palghar, Raigad, Pune, Ratnagiri, Satara, and Nandurbar, where residents have been warned to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. The city of Mumbai, whichh has been experiencing consistent rainfall, remains under a yellow alert for the next 24 hours, signalling caution but not immediate danger. Meanwhile, Thane has been placed under an orange alert, denoting a higher likelihood of severe weather in the coming days. The IMD’s latest five-day forecast, released on Sunday afternoon, underscores the severity of the ongoing weather conditions across the state.
Director of the IMD’s Mumbai centre, provided insights into the evolving weather scenario. He indicated that the current atmospheric conditions over several parts of Maharashtra are conducive to sustained heavy rainfall, with the potential for an escalation in intensity following 8:30 am on August 26 (Monday). This forecast raises concerns about the impact on infrastructure and public safety, particularly in regions already vulnerable to flooding.
In Mumbai, the IMD’s Santacruz observatory reported 83 mm of rainfall up to 8:30 am on Sunday, while the Colaba observatory, located in the coastal part of the city, recorded 46 mm. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which closely monitors rainfall across the city, reported varying rainfall levels: 73 mm in the eastern suburbs, 69 mm in the western suburbs, and 51 mm in the island city during the same period.
As of Sunday, the water stock in the seven lakes that supply water to Mumbai had reached 95.27% of their total capacity, alleviating concerns about water scarcity, which had loomed earlier in the season. The steady Increase in water levels comes as a relief to Mumbai’s residents, though the sustained heavy rains continue to pose challenges in terms of waterlogging and the potential disruption of daily life. This weather forecast underscores the need for vigilance across Maharashtra, especially in areas under red and orange alerts. Residents are advised to remain cautious and stay informed about the latest updates from the IMD and local authorities to ensure their safety during this period of intense rainfall.
