MUMBAI: A sudden spell of intense pre-monsoon rain threw Mumbai into chaos on Tuesday evening, flooding roads, halting traffic, and prompting an alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for continued wet weather through the week.
Heavy showers, accompanied by thunder and lightning, lashed several areas including Jogeshwari, Andheri, Malad, Kandivli, Borivli, and Mira Road. Jogeshwari recorded the highest rainfall at 63mm between 7pm and 8pm. Neighbouring Thane and Navi Mumbai experienced similar conditions.
The Andheri subway was closed after being waterlogged, and key stretches between Saki Naka and Andheri station were submerged. “People stuck in heavy traffic for the last 30 minutes,” reported the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association on social media, sharing images of waterlogged roads and stalled vehicles.
BMC’s weather stations confirmed moderate to heavy rainfall across the suburbs. Notable readings included:
- Western Suburbs (7–8pm):
- HBT Municipal School, Jogeshwari – 63mm
- Malpa Dongri Municipal School – 57mm
- Western Suburbs (8–9pm):
- Eksar Municipal School – 61mm
- Anand Nagar Municipal School – 53mm
- Eastern Suburbs:
- MCMCR Powai – 38mm
- S Ward Office – 29mm
- Tembipada School – 27mm
- Mulund (Veena Nagar) – 16mm
- Bhandup Complex – 13mm
Thane city recorded 32.8mm between 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Three tree-fall incidents were reported, though no injuries occurred.
The IMD has forecast continued thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds (50–60 kmph), and heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar until Friday. Rainfall may ease slightly on Saturday but remain significant.
- Raigad: Thunderstorms expected Wednesday; heavy to very heavy rain Thursday–Friday; continued rain Saturday.
- Palghar: Daily thunderstorms with winds (40–50 kmph) and light to moderate rain through Friday; moderate rain Saturday.
The IMD rated these weather conditions as “very likely,” indicating a high probability of recurrence.
