Mumbai Braces for Heavy Rains Today as IMD Issues Orange Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai and adjoining districts on Saturday, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 km/h. Residents have been urged to stay alert, avoid waterlogged areas, and exercise caution while commuting.

IMD Forecast for Mumbai

According to the 8 am IMD bulletin, the city and its suburbs are likely to witness:

• Heavy rain with cloudy skies throughout the day.
• Very heavy rainfall in isolated pockets.
• Thunderstorms with lightning, accompanied by gusty winds.

The city woke up to overcast skies, with light to moderate showers reported across several areas. The orange alert remains in place till Saturday night, while Palghar, Thane, and Raigad districts are also under similar warnings.

Other Maharashtra Districts on High Alert

• Red Alert: Jalna, Beed, and Solapur districts have been issued a red alert, signaling severe weather conditions with the risk of flooding, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
• Orange Alert: Apart from Mumbai, nearby regions including Palghar, Thane, and Raigad will see widespread heavy rainfall till Monday.

Authorities have advised residents of low-lying areas to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel.

High Tide Warning in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a high-tide warning for Saturday:

• High Tide: 3.48 metres at 2:25 pm.
• Low Tide: 1.06 metres at 8:17 pm.

With the possibility of heavy rainfall coinciding with high tide, the risk of waterlogging in vulnerable areas increases significantly.

Rainfall Data (Past 24 Hours)

In the 24-hour period ending 8 am Saturday:

• Island city: 30.07 mm
• Eastern suburbs: 26.12 mm
• Western suburbs: 9.99 mm

So far, road traffic in the city remains largely normal, though local train services are running with minor delays.

Schools, Colleges & Exam Updates

• Schools/Colleges: No state-wide closure has been announced, but Nanded and Latur district authorities have declared a holiday for all educational institutions as a precautionary measure.
• MPSC Exam Postponed: The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has postponed the Maharashtra Civil Services Gazetted Combined Preliminary Examination 2025, originally scheduled for September 28. The new date is November 9, 2025.

Advisory for Fishermen

The IMD and state authorities have issued strict warnings for fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions and high risk of accidents during the heavy rain period.

Government’s Preparedness

• BMC Disaster Control Room is monitoring the situation round the clock.
• Rescue teams and pumping stations are on standby in case of severe waterlogging.
• Emergency services including fire brigades, police, and NDRF teams are kept ready to respond quickly.