Mumbai and its neighboring districts are bracing for extremely heavy rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Sunday, September 28, 2025. The red alert encompasses Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, warning residents to prepare for intense spells of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. The alert will remain in effect until Monday morning.
The IMD's red alert signifies a significant increase in rainfall intensity, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging and flooding. Civic authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid any non-essential travel. Residents are advised to stay away from waterlogged roads, steer clear of low-lying areas, and avoid seeking shelter under trees during thunderstorms. Disaster management teams are closely monitoring stormwater drains, riverbanks, and coastal stretches and are on standby.
Prior to the red alert, an orange alert was already in place for Mumbai and surrounding areas on Saturday, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy showers. Parts of Mumbai experienced moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday, with the Colaba station recording 54 mm of rain and the Santacruz observatory registering 12 mm in the past 24 hours. This recent rainfall has already pushed the city's total rainfall for September well beyond its typical monthly average of 380 mm. Mumbai has already received 445 mm of rainfall this September.
The IMD forecasts that the monsoon's influence remains strong, with weather systems over the Bay of Bengal expected to continue feeding moisture into the region. While the red alert is focused on Mumbai and its surrounding districts, the IMD has indicated that coastal districts like Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, along with the ghat regions of Nashik, can also expect heavy showers. In contrast, other parts of the state, including North Maharashtra, Central Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha, are likely to receive only low-intensity rainfall on Sunday.
In light of the forecast, the government has issued an advisory urging the public to follow official instructions, avoid hazardous zones, and refrain from traveling to flood-prone areas. People are cautioned against taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms and are advised to take all necessary precautions for flood safety, avoiding unnecessary travel. The advisory also strictly cautions against crossing waterlogged roads or bridges and urges the public not to spread or believe rumors.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on high alert in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur to ensure rapid mobilization and assistance to civic administrations. Six NDRF teams have already been deployed across the state for immediate relief operations, with two teams each in Solapur and Dharashiv, and one team each in Beed and Latur districts.
Residents of Mumbai and adjoining districts are strongly advised to remain indoors as much as possible, stay updated on weather forecasts, and be prepared for what is expected to be one of the heaviest rain events of the season. The IMD has warned of potential inundation of low-lying areas, flash floods, and disruptions to road, rail, air, and ferry transport over the coming days.
