Key Points
- Monsoon arrives in Maharashtra 10 days early, earliest in 35 years.
- Mumbai and suburbs under orange and red alerts for heavy rain and strong winds.
- Severe waterlogging, traffic jams, and road damage reported across Mumbai and Thane.
- IMD forecasts consistent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms for the week ahead.
- Odisha’s Koraput district records highest rainfall in 24 years; orange alert issued.
Mumbai: s experiencing an unprecedented start to the monsoon season, with the southwest monsoon reaching Maharashtra nearly ten days ahead of schedule the earliest onset in 35 years. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Mumbai could see its earliest monsoon ever, with the rains expected to intensify and fully arrive within the next three days.
This early arrival has already brought relentless pre-monsoon showers to Mumbai and the coastal Konkan region, resulting in widespread waterlogging, severe traffic congestion, and infrastructural damage. Eight key weather stations across Mumbai, including Borivali, Santacruz, Powai, Mulund, Chembur, Worli, Colaba, and Alibag, are under red alert, signaling the risk of further heavy rainfall and potential hazards in the coming hours.
“Light to moderate spell of rainfall is likely to continue over Mumbai and suburban areas during next3-4 hours, the IMD reported early Monday morning.
Orange and Red Alerts: What Residents Need to Know
The IMD has issued orange to red alerts for Mumbai and its suburbs, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and squally winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph. These alerts indicate a high likelihood of disruptions, including traffic delays, power outages, and flooding, especially in low-lying and coastal areas.
Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during peak hours, as the city grapples with ongoing waterlogging and hazardous road conditions.
Impact on Daily Life: Waterlogging, Traffic Jams, and Road Damage
The intense rainfall late Sunday night led to severe waterlogging in several parts of Mumbai, disrupting traffic and leaving commuters stranded for hours. The situation was particularly dire on the Bhiwandi-Wada road in Thane district, where heavy rain damaged the road surface, creating large potholes and causing a traffic jam that stretched up to 8 kilometers. Many commuters were stuck for over four hours, with the situation exacerbated by slow-moving road construction projects.
Colaba and Santacruz, two of Mumbai’s main weather stations, have already recorded significant rainfall totals for May, with Colaba receiving over 65 mm and Santacruz 14 mm as of May 26. Rainfall this month is more than 700% above the normal average, putting Mumbai on track for one of its wettest Mays in recent history.
Weather Outlook: Consistent Rainfall Ahead
According to the IMD, the weather pattern is being driven by a well-marked low-pressure area over south Madhya Maharashtra and adjoining regions, which is expected to move eastwards and gradually weaken. However, the forecast for Mumbai remains “generally cloudy sky with heavy rain” for the week, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C.
The monsoon is expected to continue advancing across Maharashtra, with further intensification likely as another system develops over the Bay of Bengal around May 27.
Odisha: Record Rainfall and Alerts
Meanwhile, Odisha’s Koraput district has recorded its highest rainfall in 24 years. The IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds through May 30. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough weather conditions.
