Mumbai experienced a day of chaos as heavy, unseasonal rainfall lashed the city and its surrounding areas on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The downpour, while providing a temporary respite from the summer heat, led to significant disruptions, including fallen trees, flooded underpasses, traffic snarls, and localized flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, warning of similar weather conditions over the next few days.
The heavy rains caused waterlogging in several areas, most notably in Andheri, where viral videos on social media showed commuters wading through knee-deep water on Old Nagardas Road. Shopkeepers in a local fruit market were also seen struggling to protect their goods from the floodwaters. Social media was flooded with complaints and videos of the chaos, with citizens tagging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and questioning the city's preparedness for the monsoon season. One user sarcastically suggested that the BMC install a sign at the entrance of the Andheri Subway, labeling it "THIS IS A DRAIN USE DURING DRY WEATHER ONLY".
Besides waterlogged roads, the heavy rains also led to an incident of tree felling near the Jalvayu Complex, further exacerbating traffic congestion. Authorities directed commuters to alternative routes to avoid the affected area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported due to the fallen tree. The Andheri subway was completely submerged and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed drainage machines to remove the water.
The weather department has indicated that the current spell of rainfall is due to a cyclonic circulation likely to form over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast. Rainfall activity is expected to increase between May 21 and May 24, impacting parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, South Konkan, and South Central Maharashtra. The forecast includes the possibility of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph, or possibly higher at isolated locations.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts, including Nashik, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Kolhapur, and Satara, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in these areas. A yellow alert, indicating moderate weather disturbances, remains in place for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad until May 21, warning residents to stay informed and cautious.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts an early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala around May 27, with above-normal rainfall expected across India during the monsoon season from June to September. The expected rainfall is likely to exceed 104% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
In light of the forecast, authorities are urging citizens to take necessary precautions and stay updated on weather alerts. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to be prepared for potential flooding and to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall. Motorists are encouraged to drive cautiously and avoid driving through flooded areas.
