Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are set for another spell of heavy monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an Orange Alert for the city and neighbouring districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds, is expected over the next 48 hours, raising the risk of waterlogging and localised flooding.
Further, IMD has advised residents to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Weather experts attribute the active spell to moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea interacting with favourable weather systems over northern India.
Heavy rainfall expected across MMR with flooding possible in low-lying areas
The rain spell is expected to affect Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli and surrounding MMR regions. Rainfall between 200 mm and 300 mm is forecast across these areas over the next 48 hours. Coastal districts including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar may also experience lightning and strong winds of up to 70 kmph. Authorities have urged people to stay away from beaches and other coastal stretches until weather conditions improve.
Palghar and Shahapur likely to receive the heaviest rainfall during the next 48 hours
The most intense rainfall is expected in Palghar district and Shahapur taluka, where extremely heavy rain is forecast between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon. Rainfall in these regions, along with parts of the Nashik Ghat area, could range between 300 mm and 400 mm, with isolated pockets receiving up to 500 mm. Authorities have warned of possible flooding in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Pune, Nashik and other Maharashtra regions remain under rain alerts
Beyond the MMR, IMD has issued a Red Alert for Pune district, particularly its Ghat regions, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next two days. Pune city has recorded continuous showers over the past few days, with daytime temperatures dipping to around 28°C.
Heavy rainfall is also likely over Nashik’s Ghat areas, while Vidarbha and North Maharashtra may receive 80 mm to 180 mm of rainfall. Moderate showers are forecast across Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and parts of Marathwada, with comparatively lighter rainfall expected over Goa.
Reservoir inflows improve Mumbai’s water supply as monsoon strengthens
The ongoing rainfall has significantly improved inflows into reservoirs supplying drinking water to Mumbai.
Forecasts indicate that Tansa Dam could overflow, while storage levels in Bhatsa, Modak Sagar and Upper Vaitarna reservoirs are expected to rise further. Surya Dam in Palghar is also projected to record a substantial increase in storage, strengthening the city’s water reserves after a delayed start to the monsoon.
Statewide forecast indicates widespread rainfall before conditions ease
The IMD expects rainfall to continue across most parts of Maharashtra over the coming days, with the heaviest activity concentrated over the Konkan coast and Ghat regions. Weather experts also suggest the current active spell could weaken towards the end of July, although residents are advised to rely on official IMD updates as forecasts evolve.
For now, authorities have urged residents across Maharashtra to remain cautious, avoid flood-prone and coastal areas during periods of intense rain, and follow official advisories while planning travel.
