Persistent Heavy Rainfall in Mumbai; IMD Anticipates More Severe Rainfall in Near Future
Mumbai, India - The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning for Mumbai on August 19, 2025, predicting extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm in 24 hours. This red alert, the highest warning level by the IMD, has prompted precautions and advisories to ensure public safety.
The expected impacts of this weather event include severe waterlogging, disruption of normal life and transport, potential urban flooding, especially in low-lying areas, traffic snarls, and a risk to public safety, including incidents like tree falls. The heavy and continuous rains have already caused paralysis in city commutes, with local trains facing widespread cancellations and disruptions, and at least one death has been reported due to rain-related incidents such as tree fall.
In response to the warning, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has closed all schools and colleges in Mumbai city and suburbs on August 19. Police and disaster authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant at tourist spots and landslide-prone areas. Relief centers are to be kept equipped and ready for emergencies.
Citizens are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay alert, and take adequate precautions, including caution near the coastline during high tides at places like Marine Drive and Juhu. Authorities have emphasized planning travel in advance and checking updates due to significant local train cancellations and traffic disruptions.
The IMD forecast comes amid reports of rising water levels and increasing disruption to daily life in Mumbai. Train services in Mumbai have issued a warning due to continuous waterlogging. An Impact Based Forecast for Heavy Rainfall Over Mumbai has been updated on August 19, 2025.
The 24-hour forecast indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely, along with occasional gusty winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph. The IMD expects waterlogging and inundation in many low-lying areas and along riverbanks, along with disruption to road, rail, air, and ferry services, particularly affecting major roads and local train services.
Flash floods may occur, especially during high tide. Disruption to municipal services such as water and electricity is also possible. There may be risks to very old buildings and poorly maintained structures, and landslides or mudslides could occur in vulnerable areas.
The ongoing heavy rainfall event in Mumbai is being closely monitored. Pictures related to the Mumbai rain situation have been posted on Twitter. Isolated pockets in Mumbai may receive extremely heavy rainfall (≥21cm). The IMD report confirms that Mumbai City and its suburbs experienced moderate to heavy rainfall between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm IST on August 19, with specific areas recording significant amounts: 158.5 mm in Vikhroli, 158 mm at Mumbai Airport, 117 mm in Juhu, 99 mm in Bandra, and 135.5 mm in Santacruz (AWS).
Gusty winds along and off the coast could damage temporary or vulnerable structures. Sea conditions are likely to remain rough. The nowcast warning for the next 2-3 hours suggests that Mumbai city and suburbs are very likely to experience intense to very intense rainfall, along with the possibility of gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph.
Stay tuned for updates and remain safe during this weather event. For the latest updates, follow @moesgoi, @airnewsalerts, @DrJitendraSingh, @DDNational, and @airnewsalerts on Twitter.
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