According to weather expert Athreya Shetty, Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Palghar are expected to witness heavy rainfall along with wind speeds ranging between 40 and 60 kmph on July 22. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, urging residents to remain cautious as strong winds and intense rainfall may disrupt normal activities.
The heaviest rainfall is expected in Palghar district and Shahapur taluka, where extremely heavy rain has been forecast between 12 noon on Wednesday and 3 pm on Thursday. Authorities have warned that low-lying areas may face flooding during this period.
Weather forecasts indicate that Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivli may receive rainfall between 200 and 300 mm. Palghar, Shahapur and the Nashik Ghat region are expected to record 300 to 400 mm of rainfall, with isolated areas possibly receiving up to 500 mm. Vidarbha and North Maharashtra may receive 80 to 180 mm of rainfall, while Pune and Marathwada are likely to experience light to moderate showers. South Konkan and Goa are expected to witness moderate rainfall in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, with lighter showers in Goa.
Coastal districts including Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Mumbai suburbs, Raigad and Ratnagiri are likely to experience strong winds ranging from 50 to 70 kmph, along with lightning and very heavy rainfall.
In view of the adverse weather conditions, the administration has appealed to residents to avoid visiting beaches and coastal areas until conditions improve.
Heavy rainfall has continued across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and nearby suburbs since early morning, with stormy conditions becoming stronger throughout the day. Several areas have reported waterlogging and slow-moving traffic due to continuous downpours.
Authorities have advised people to travel only when necessary and recommended carrying umbrellas and raincoats while commuting.
Pune Under Red Alert As Rainfall Continues For Several Days
The IMD has issued a red alert for Pune district after persistent heavy rainfall over the last three to four days. Weather officials have forecast that the current spell will continue for at least two more days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in the Ghat regions.
Pune city has witnessed continuous rainfall since Tuesday morning, resulting in cloudy weather and a decline in temperatures. The maximum temperature dropped by around 2°C to 28°C, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 22.3°C.
Meteorologists have predicted similar weather conditions for the next three to four days, with rainfall expected throughout the week along with cooler temperatures.
Mumbai Reservoirs Receive Major Water Inflows After Heavy Rain
The ongoing rainfall has brought significant inflows into the catchment areas of reservoirs supplying drinking water to Mumbai.
According to forecasts, Tansa Dam is expected to overflow. Water storage levels in Bhatsa and Modak Sagar dams may increase by 8 to 12 percent, while Upper Vaitarna Dam could gain 12 to 18 percent storage. Surya Dam in Palghar is expected to record an increase of around 20 percent.
The rise in reservoir levels is expected to strengthen Mumbai’s water supply after a delayed monsoon arrival.
Rainfall Expected Across Most Parts Of Maharashtra
Except for some areas of Marathwada, rainfall is expected across almost all regions of Maharashtra in the coming days. The Ghat areas of Nashik are also likely to experience heavy rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday.
Moderate showers are forecast in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, while Goa is expected to receive comparatively lighter rainfall.
Monsoon Activity May Reduce By End Of July
Weather experts have indicated that the current intense rainfall phase may weaken after five days, with the possibility of clearer skies returning towards the end of July.
This year, the monsoon arrived nearly a month late, with El Niño conditions contributing to below-normal rainfall during the initial phase of the season. Another expected break in monsoon activity may increase concerns among farmers who have already experienced uneven rainfall distribution across Maharashtra.
The ongoing weather situation has placed Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra under heightened monitoring, with authorities closely watching rainfall intensity, flooding risks, wind conditions and water storage levels as the state continues to face a challenging monsoon spell.
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