Mumbai reels under heavy rains. Photo Credit: The Telegraph
As much of North India reels under a searing heatwave, Mumbai witnessed the other extreme of the weather spectrum, waking up to heavy rain that led to widespread waterlogging, traffic chaos, and flight delays. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) responded by issuing an orange alert, predicting more intense downpours in the next 48 hours.
From Heatstroke to Flooding: India Faces Dual Climate Extremes
While Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh are experiencing record-breaking temperatures crossing 45°C, Mumbai’s heavy rain has created an opposite crisis. Meteorologists say this stark contrast is indicative of larger climate imbalances impacting India, as one part of the country suffers from heat-related health emergencies, while another deals with monsoon-triggered urban disruption.
Mumbai recorded over 70 mm of rainfall in several areas between Sunday night and early Monday morning. Suburbs such as Bandra, Andheri, and Kurla were among the worst affected, with roads quickly turning into shallow rivers. The rainfall disrupted the usual Monday routine for lakhs of residents and commuters.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Mumbai and Surrounding Areas
The IMD orange alert in Mumbai warns of “very heavy rainfall” in isolated areas, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant. Authorities in Thane, Raigad, and Palghar have also been put on high alert, with schools in some areas instructed to remain shut depending on local weather severity.
The alert stems from an active monsoon system linked to a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea. Meteorologists expect rainfall to continue over the next two to three days, with peak intensity during late evenings and early mornings.
Waterlogged Roads, Delayed Flights Create Chaos
Mumbai’s road and rail infrastructure once again crumbled under the pressure of heavy rain. Local trains on Central and Western lines ran with major delays as water accumulated on the tracks. Several BEST bus routes were diverted due to waterlogging in low-lying areas like Sion, Chembur, Dadar, and Malad.
At Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, over 70 flight movements were affected. Airlines, including IndiGo, issued advisories asking passengers to allow extra travel time and check schedules before heading to the airport. Entry roads to the domestic terminal were briefly inundated, further delaying traffic movement.
Mumbaikars Brace for More Showers as Civic Teams Stay on Standby
With the orange alert in Mumbai still active, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has activated emergency control rooms, deployed water pumps, and kept disaster response teams on standby. High tide later in the day may worsen waterlogging if the rainfall persists.
Hospitals and emergency services have also been asked to prepare for rain-related medical emergencies. Ambulances are stationed in flood-prone zones, while mobile rescue teams are monitoring low-lying neighborhoods vulnerable to flash floods.
Climate Contrast: From North’s Heatwave to Mumbai’s Monsoon Fury
As North India grapples with scorching temperatures—leading to dehydration cases, fire outbreaks, and power overloads—the extreme swing in Mumbai’s weather highlights the increasingly unpredictable nature of Indian summers. This dual weather scenario—heatwave in North India and heavy rain in Mumbai—serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for adaptive urban planning and climate resilience.
Environmental experts say that while monsoon onset in Mumbai is expected around mid-June, the increasing frequency and intensity of sudden cloudbursts and urban flooding are becoming annual occurrences. In contrast, the prolonged and more dangerous heatwaves in the north are stretching beyond traditional summer timelines.
No Respite in Sight: IMD Forecasts More Rain for Mumbai
According to IMD’s latest bulletin, rainfall will continue throughout the week with heavy to very heavy showers expected particularly at night. Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible coastal flooding may follow. Citizens are advised to stay indoors, avoid travelling through waterlogged streets, and follow official advisories closely. As India swings between extremes—scorching temperatures in the north and monsoon mayhem in the west—climate volatility appears to be the new normal. And once again, Mumbai, the nation’s financial capital, is learning to navigate life between floods and forecasts.
