Mumbai woke up to severe disruptions today as the southwest monsoon arrived 12 days ahead of schedule, triggering widespread waterlogging, transport delays, and flight disruptions across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, while orange alerts have been issued for surrounding districts like Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, anticipating even heavier rainfall and strong winds over the next 24 hours.
The impact of the monsoon’s early arrival has already begun to show. Overnight rain and continued downpours in the morning led to waterlogging in multiple low-lying areas such as Kurla, Sion, Dadar, and Parel. Nariman Point received 40 mm of rainfall within an hour, while other areas like Grant Road, Colaba, and Byculla also reported significant rainfall. Suburban eastern and western regions saw light to moderate showers through the morning.
Flights and Trains Hit, BMC Urges Caution
The heavy downpour disrupted flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Airlines like SpiceJet and Air India issued advisories warning passengers of delays and cancellations. Passengers were urged to check flight status before heading to the airport due to low visibility and turbulent weather conditions.
Train services were also affected, with suburban rail lines experiencing delays of 5 to 10 minutes due to water accumulation on tracks. Although services have resumed, authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any escalation in delays.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised residents not to venture outdoors unless absolutely necessary. The civic body, along with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), has identified 96 buildings that may be unsafe during heavy rains. Approximately 3,100 people have been advised to shift to safer locations until conditions stabilize.
In the broader state of Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited rain-hit Baramati to assess damages and relief measures. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have directed all disaster response and emergency services to remain on high alert across affected districts.
The IMD further stated that the monsoon has arrived in Maharashtra at its earliest in 35 years. The system moved in from Kerala on Saturday and is expected to advance further into central and northern regions over the next few days. High winds at 50–60 km/h and thunderstorms are expected in various districts, further complicating relief and movement across the region. With the onset of the monsoon significantly ahead of the June 1 average, weather authorities are advising people to remain alert and follow safety advisories as Mumbai and other regions brace for more intense showers in the coming days.
