The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for Mumbai on Monday, July 8. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 32°C and 27°C, respectively. In light of these conditions, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Mumbai and several districts in Maharashtra.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), over 300 mm of rainfall was recorded in various parts of the city within a six-hour period from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday. Consequently, all private and government schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed for the day to ensure the safety of students and staff. The BMC has declared a holiday for the first session, with a decision on the second session to be made after a further review of the weather conditions. In a tweet, the BMC urged residents to avoid spreading or believing in rumours and to stay indoors as much as possible. “In order to avoid inconvenience to students, a holiday for the first session is declared for all BMC, Government and Private schools and colleges in Mumbai (BMC area). The decision for the next session will be announced after reviewing the situation,” the BMC stated.
For the next 48 hours, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with intermittent light to moderate rain. The IMD’s nowcast warning until 10 a.m. indicates an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and the Konkan belt. The forecast for the next 24 hours suggests a generally cloudy sky with moderate to heavy rain in the city and suburbs. In addition to the heavy rainfall, a high tide is expected at 1:57 p.m. on Monday, reaching a height of 4.40 meters, followed by a low tide at 8:03 p.m., reaching 1.64 meters. These tidal conditions, combined with the heavy rainfall, could exacerbate flooding in low-lying areas of the city.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams across various parts of Maharashtra, including Thane, Vasai (Palghar), Mahad (Raigad), Chiplun (Ratnagiri), Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Ghatkopar, Kurla, and Sindhudurg. In Mumbai, three NDRF teams are stationed at Andheri, with an additional team at Nagpur, to respond promptly to any emergencies and prevent flood-like situations. The continuous rains have mobilised the entire machinery of the BMC, which is actively working on the ground to manage the situation and provide necessary support to the citizens. Mumbaikars are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and adhere to advisories issued by the authorities.
This extensive preparation and response underscore the importance of coordinated efforts between various agencies to manage and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather conditions in urban areas. The proactive measures taken by the BMC, IMD, and NDRF reflect their commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining normalcy amid adverse weather events.
