Mumbai is bracing for a week of heavy rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts across Maharashtra. The monsoon season is approaching, and pre-monsoon showers have already begun to impact the region. The IMD has specifically cautioned residents in Mumbai and surrounding areas about the likelihood of heavy showers, indicating the onset of turbulent weather conditions.
Starting this week, Konkan, Vidarbha, and areas of Central Maharashtra are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Mumbai has already experienced light rainfall, bringing relief from the summer heat. Overcast skies suggest that more intense rain is likely throughout the week. Ratnagiri, a coastal district in Konkan, has also reported steady rain, disrupting daily life but providing cooler temperatures.
The IMD has predicted thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds in Marathwada. Isolated heavy showers are expected in Vidarbha, contributing to an increasingly wet week across the state. A low-pressure area is likely to form over the east-central Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast around May 22, which may further increase rainfall intensity and spread in Maharashtra. The weather department has also issued advisories for fishermen and farmers. Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the sea during this period due to rough conditions, while farmers are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops from waterlogging and strong winds.
The approaching weather system is likely to cause widespread disruptions, including waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas, the uprooting of weak trees, and the collapse of old or dilapidated structures. Residents are advised to stay cautious and take preventive measures during this transitional weather phase. It is recommended to check traffic updates and avoid waterlogged zones. To reduce the risk of lightning strikes, people are strongly advised to avoid open fields, tall trees, and objects that conduct electricity during storms. It is also recommended to unplug electrical appliances and stay away from water sources until conditions improve. Livestock owners are urged to ensure their animals are kept in secure shelters and not left exposed in open areas during heavy rainfall or lightning activity.
The monsoon has officially reached the Andaman region and is expected to arrive in Kerala around May 27. From there, it will advance towards Konkan, officially marking the rainy season's arrival in Maharashtra. The IMD has predicted above-normal monsoon rainfall for 2025. While these rains are essential for the agricultural cycle, they can also strain civic infrastructure, especially in urban and low-lying areas prone to waterlogging. The persistent rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to continue across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, until June 21.
