Heavy rains lash Mumbai, IMD issues alerts for city and neighbouring districts

Mumbai woke up to heavy overnight rain on Monday, which led to water logging and traffic congestion in many places. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for the city and neighbouring Thane and Raigad. The downpour caused waterlogging in several low-lying areas, traffic snarls during the morning rush, and delays in suburban train services.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shared an advisory on X, warning of “intense to very intense spells of rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph” over the next few hours. Residents were urged to contact the civic control room by dialing 1916 no for official updates and emergency help.

Waterlogging disrupts city life

King’s Circle and Matunga market were among the worst-hit, with flooded stretches slowing down traffic and compounding the Monday morning rush. Water-filled potholes added to commuter woes across the suburbs.

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Mumbai’s suburban railway network also faced disruptions. Water accumulation on the tracks at Kurla (Central Railway) and Bandra (Western Railway) led to delays on key routes, officials said.

Between 8:30 AM Sunday and 5:30 AM Monday, Colaba recorded the highest rainfall at 88.2 mm, followed by Bandra (82 mm) and Byculla (73 mm). Mahul Tata Power Station logged 70.5 mm, Juhu received 45 mm, while Santacruz (36.6 mm) and Mahalaxmi (36.5 mm) saw relatively lighter showers.

Traffic diversions in place

Authorities closed the Andheri Subway (Andheri West) after one to one-and-a-half feet of rainwater accumulated there. Traffic police diverted vehicles through Gokhale Bridge to ease movement in the area. Mumbai Traffic Police posted on X, “Due to one to one-and-a-half feet of rainwater accumulating at Andheri Subway (Andheri West), traffic there has been closed, and the traffic has been diverted via Gokhale Bridge.”

Forecast ahead

While Monday began on a stormy note, the IMD has predicted moderate showers between September 16 and 18 with no severe alerts in place for those days.

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As per further alerts issued by the IMD, an orange alert is active for Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Beed, and Latur. Also, moderate to intense spells of rainfall will likely lash over these areas, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. And as regarding Nagpur, Jalana, Nashik, and Palghar, a yellow alert is in place for light rains.