Mumbai witnessed a fresh spell of intermittent showers on Monday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert across the city until Wednesday, coinciding with the start of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. The advisory signals the likelihood of moderate rainfall and cautions citizens to stay alert to potential disruption in daily routines and festival preparations.
The alert extends beyond Mumbai to cover Thane and Raigad districts until midweek, while Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are expected to remain under advisory until August 29. Weather experts note that the rain pattern is being influenced by a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to push moisture into the Konkan belt. Rainfall figures from Sunday night to Monday morning reflected a widespread but moderate downpour across the city. The Santacruz weather station recorded 18.9 mm of rainfall, while Colaba measured 19 mm. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s automatic weather stations showed slightly heavier showers in the eastern suburbs with 24.05 mm, followed by 21.24 mm in the island city and 16 mm in the western suburbs.
For citizens, the timing of the alert is particularly significant as Mumbai gears up for its largest cultural festival. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations traditionally involve large public gatherings, elaborate processions, and the installation of thousands of idols across neighbourhoods. Authorities have advised residents and organisers to take precautionary measures, especially in low-lying areas that are prone to waterlogging. Meteorological experts suggest that rainfall activity may strengthen in phases through the week, bringing heavier showers at short intervals. While this reduces the immediate risk of prolonged flooding, it could still disrupt mobility and outdoor celebrations. Civic officials have assured that drainage systems are being closely monitored and emergency response teams are on standby to address flooding or infrastructure-related issues.
The yellow alert also highlights the broader challenge of climate variability in Mumbai, where monsoon behaviour has become increasingly erratic. Extended dry spells followed by intense bursts of rain have complicated city planning, affecting both infrastructure resilience and festival management. Environmental experts underline the need for sustainable urban systems that can adapt to shifting weather patterns without affecting community life. As Mumbai embraces Ganesh Chaturthi this week, the rains serve as a reminder of the city’s delicate balance between tradition and modern urban challenges. For now, the alert is a caution rather than a crisis, but citizens are urged to stay prepared as rainfall is expected to intensify in the days ahead.
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