The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai on August 18. This marks the third consecutive day of intense showers across the city, which has resulted in flooding, waterlogging, and widespread disruption to daily life.
Strong winds of up to 40 kmph and heavy showers have left several parts of Mumbai under water. The Western Express Highway near Vile Parle reported slow-moving traffic, while areas such as Andheri Subway and Lokhandwala complex witnessed severe waterlogging. Many commuters struggled to move through flooded streets, with vehicles stalled in several pockets.
While the temperatures will remain relatively cool, between 25.5°C and 26.8°C, humidity levels have risen to 89 per cent. The precipitation is expected to stay at 98 per cent throughout the day, creating sticky conditions across the city. The persistent rainfall, combined with strong winds, has also lowered visibility and made roads slippery, forcing drivers to take extra caution.
The city faces a wet week ahead, with Tuesday predicted to be the most challenging day. The IMD has forecast torrential rain and high winds, with Mumbai expected to receive 224.89 mm (8.85 inches) of rainfall and wind speeds reaching 46.4 km/h. Such conditions are expected to cause localised flooding, making travel across the city difficult. Authorities have advised residents not to step out unless absolutely necessary.
According to officials, the heavy showers are being caused by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. This has led to the formation of an east-west trough extending to the Arabian Sea, which in turn is driving severe rainfall along Maharashtra’s Konkan coast. “The rainfall will continue till the middle of next week, as a result of which alerts have been extended to Mumbai,” an IMD official said in a report.
Adding to the weather woes, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) disaster cell has flagged the risk of high tides. The BMC has declared a holiday in all schools after heavy rains made commuting unsafe for children.
Mumbai’s local trains, the city’s lifeline, continued to run despite delays. However, several lines reported disruptions due to waterlogging on tracks, especially on the Central and Western Railway routes. On the aviation front, airlines including Akasa Air and IndiGo issued advisories urging travellers to allow extra time to reach the airport as traffic congestion worsened on key access routes.
With alerts in place, officials have urged both Mumbaikars and Punekars to remain alert, plan their travel carefully, and stay indoors wherever possible. Drivers have been warned about slippery roads and advised to allow additional time for their commutes.
In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the BMC helpline at 1916.
(With inputs from various sources.)