Mumbai Braces for Heavy Rain, IMD Issues Orange Alert

Heavy rain lashed Mumbai on Thursday, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for the city. Localized areas can expect very heavy downpours, with rainfall ranging from 5 to 15 mm per hour until 10 am on July 18, 2024. Temperatures are expected to remain moderate, with highs around 30 degrees Celsius and lows of 24 degrees Celsius.

The IMD has also issued a more serious orange alert for Palghar and Thane districts, indicating a greater chance of severe weather conditions in those regions.

Looking at the wider Maharashtra region, the Konkan-Goa division is forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall in most locations. There is a high likelihood of thundershowers across much of South Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada, with a possibility of scattered thundershowers in North Madhya Maharashtra on July 18, 2024. Widespread rainfall is also anticipated across the North Konkan region.

Strong winds are expected to impact the North Maharashtra coast, with speeds ranging from 45 to 55 kmph on July 18 & 19. Wind speeds are predicted to moderate slightly over the weekend, ranging from 35 to 45 kmph on July 20 and 21. The IMD advises fishermen to exercise caution and avoid venturing out to sea during this time due to the potential dangers posed by the weather conditions.

A high wave warning has been issued for the coastline stretching from Thane to Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra down to Belapur near Raigad. Residents near the coast are urged to stay away from beaches from 2.30 am to 11.30 pm on Thursday due to the forecast of high waves ranging from 3.4 to 3.6 meters. These waves could cause coastal erosion and pose a risk of wave surges.