Heavy thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds battered Mumbai early Monday, throwing daily life out of gear as the monsoon arrived nearly 10 days ahead of schedule—the earliest since 1990. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
Transport Disrupted, Waterlogging Reported
The downpour, which began late Sunday night, led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, slowing road traffic and disrupting suburban train services. Poor visibility and flooded tracks caused delays on Central and Western Railway lines, leaving office-goers stranded during peak hours.
In a shocking sight, the newly inaugurated Worli underground metro station (Aqua Line 3) was submerged in knee-deep water, raising concerns over drainage preparedness. Videos of the flooded station went viral on social media with the hashtag #MumbaiRain.
Monsoon Arrives Early, More Rain Ahead
The IMD confirmed that the southwest monsoon has advanced into Maharashtra earlier than expected, bringing intense showers. Weather experts say this is due to a strong monsoon current over the Arabian Sea.
“Light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the city, but isolated areas may see very heavy showers,” an IMD official said.
Authorities on High Alert
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed disaster response teams to monitor flooding and clear clogged drains. Citizens have been advised to:
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Avoid venturing out unless necessary
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Stay away from waterlogged streets and electric poles
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Check weather updates before traveling
