Mumbai Rains IMD Issues Yellow Alert Heavy Showers Predicted After Flight Incident
Mumbai is grappling with intense monsoon activity as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the financial capital until July 25, predicting moderate to heavy rain at isolated places. This alert comes just a day after an Air India flight from Kochi (AI2744) veered off the main runway (09/27) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Monday morning amidst heavy rainfall. Fortunately, all passengers and crew disembarked safely, though the incident led to the temporary closure of the primary runway and the grounding of the A320 aircraft.
For July 22, the IMD’s forecast indicates a generally cloudy sky for Mumbai and its suburbs, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 30°C to a minimum of 25°C. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are also likely. The Santacruz observatory, a key weather station, recorded a significant 114.6mm of rainfall in 24 hours ending 8:30 AM on Monday, with the total rising to 201.2mm over the next nine hours, prompting an earlier orange alert for the day.
Beyond Mumbai, the IMD has issued specific warnings for other districts in Maharashtra. Thane is under a yellow alert until July 25, with an orange alert specifically for July 24, indicating very heavy rainfall. Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts are also under an orange alert, while Palghar has been issued a yellow alert. The IMD anticipates “heavy to very heavy rainfall” at isolated places over Konkan & Goa and the Ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra until July 27, signaling an active monsoon phase for the region.
The ongoing heavy rainfall and the recent aviation incident underscore the challenges Mumbai faces during the monsoon season. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, advising residents to take precautions and check travel advisories. The IMD’s continuous updates are vital in helping the public and emergency services prepare for and respond to the evolving weather conditions across Mumbai and surrounding areas.
