Mumbai’s tryst with unseasonal rain continues as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) extended the yellow alert for the city till the morning of October 30, warning of intermittent spells of rain and thunderstorms. The alert, which was earlier in place till Tuesday, was extended following persistent moisture and atmospheric instability over the Konkan region, delaying the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and keeping the city under grey skies.
Meteorological officials said the extended rainfall activity is a result of a convergence of easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal and westerly winds from the Arabian Sea, creating favourable conditions for cloud formation and thunderstorm development. Parts of Mumbai and its surrounding districts, including Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, are expected to witness light to moderate rain accompanied by gusty winds over the next few days. The city, which traditionally witnesses monsoon withdrawal by early October, has seen an unusual spell of post-monsoon showers this year. Experts attribute this delay to a combination of changing wind patterns and rising sea surface temperatures, both of which have been linked to the broader impact of climate variability and urban heat effects. Such extended wet spells, they say, are becoming increasingly common across coastal cities like Mumbai due to the changing dynamics of regional weather systems.
While the rains have offered some respite from worsening air quality, they have also posed operational challenges for the city’s infrastructure. Several arterial roads have reported traffic congestion and minor waterlogging during heavy showers, while public transport services have been intermittently disrupted. Civic authorities said drainage teams and emergency response units are on alert, particularly in low-lying areas known to flood even during moderate rain. The extended rainfall has also sparked concerns about building safety in areas with old and dilapidated structures, as continued moisture weakens ageing foundations. Urban planners emphasise the need for proactive monsoon preparedness and improved drainage management as part of Mumbai’s long-term climate resilience strategy.
Officials said the city’s reservoirs continue to hold sufficient water levels for the season, ensuring there are no immediate concerns over supply. However, environmental experts caution that unseasonal rain events underscore the urgency of adopting climate-adaptive urban planning, sustainable stormwater systems, and decentralised green infrastructure to handle unpredictable weather patterns. With the yellow alert now extended till October 30, citizens have been urged to stay cautious, avoid open areas during thunderstorms, and report any incidents of tree fall or waterlogging to civic control rooms. Mumbai, it seems, must continue to navigate another round of unexpected rain before the weather finally settles into the dry season.
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