Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced a significant advancement of the Southwest Monsoon into Maharashtra, triggering an orange alert for multiple districts over the next five days. This development brings a forecast of very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across several parts of the state, prompting authorities and residents to prepare for adverse weather conditions.
Orange Alert Issued for Several Districts
The orange alert, which signals the need for preparedness and potential relief efforts, covers the following districts:
Raigad (alert valid for May 26 only)
Ratnagiri
Sindhudurg
Ghat regions of Satara, Kolhapur, and Pune
These regions are expected to receive intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching 50–60 kmph. The IMD has advised local administrations to stay alert and take preventive actions to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.
Yellow Alert for Mumbai and Surrounding Areas
A yellow alert, indicating a warning level that calls for caution, has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and surrounding districts. These areas can anticipate moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, potentially leading to localized disruptions.
Mumbai Rainfall Figures (Past 24 Hours until 8 AM):
Island City: 37 mm
Eastern Suburbs: 15 mm
Western Suburbs: 18 mm
Monsoon Spread Widens Across India
According to the IMD, as of May 25, the Southwest Monsoon has progressed into:
Westcentral and Eastcentral Arabian Sea
Parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra
Entire Goa
Northern Bay of Bengal
Northeastern states including Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland
The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) now extends through Devgad, Belagavi, Mandya, Chennai, Aizawl, and Kohima, marking a widespread onset over both peninsular and northeastern India.
Public Advisory Issued
The IMD has advised the public to take the following precautions:
Be prepared for waterlogging, especially in low-lying and hilly regions
Avoid non-essential travel during heavy rainfall periods
Stay updated through official IMD bulletins
Keep emergency supplies, including clean drinking water, flashlights, and first-aid kits, readily accessible
With the monsoon season now officially underway, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and disaster readiness in the face of increasingly volatile weather conditions.
