Mumbai braces for weekend rain amid cyclone threat
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall over the weekend for Mumbai, issuing a yellow alert for the city amid developing weather activity in the Arabian Sea.
Citizens have been advised to prepare for waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and strong winds as the low-pressure system over the sea gathers strength. The weather bureau confirmed that the system, currently forming in the southeast Arabian Sea, may intensify into a depression over the coming days. There is also the possibility that it could evolve into a cyclonic storm. Coastal districts like Satara and Ratnagiri have already been placed under a red alert for Thursday, as the system’s effects begin to manifest across western Maharashtra. According to IMD officials, the ongoing pre-monsoon rainfall over Mumbai and the Konkan region is being fuelled by three factors—moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, intense daytime heating, and wind convergence over the region. Together, these are creating favourable conditions for sustained rainfall events. A report from the Times of India stated that the increasing cloud cover and humidity levels point to elevated moisture content, consistent with early monsoon-like conditions.
In the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 am on Wednesday, Mumbai’s Santacruz weather observatory recorded 62 mm of rain, while Colaba saw 22.9 mm. The western suburbs experienced the most intense rainfall late Tuesday evening. Jogeshwari recorded 79 mm between 6 pm and 11 pm, followed by Andheri East with 67 mm and Borivli with 65 mm, reflecting a strong localised downpour pattern. The yellow alert remains in effect for both Thursday and Saturday, with the IMD warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated places in and around the city. Moderate rain is forecast on Sunday, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius throughout the week. The IMD’s forecast for the upcoming days suggests persistent rainfall with cloudy skies until at least Monday. While the intensity is expected to vary, the risk of flooding in low-lying areas remains high. Citizens have been urged to avoid waterlogged zones and to stay updated via official weather advisories.
With the monsoon onset typically expected by early June, this prolonged wet spell signals an early transition phase for Mumbai. However, meteorologists caution that the situation remains dynamic, and the formation of a full-fledged cyclone would depend on evolving sea and wind conditions in the next 48 hours.
