Mumbai Monsoon Arrives 16 Days In Advance; IMD Issues Red Alert Predicting Extremely Heavy Rainfall

The southwest monsoon has made an unusually early arrival this year in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on May 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This marks the onset of monsoon 16 days ahead of the usual June 11 onset date.

Heavy rain in the city began late on Sunday, May 25, and continued through Monday, May 26, signalling the commencement of the southwest monsoon season in Mumbai and surrounding areas.

In its latest update issued on May 26, the IMD stated that the southwest monsoon has further advanced into several regions, including parts of the central Arabian Sea, Maharashtra (with Mumbai included), Karnataka (including Bengaluru), Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and portions of the Bay of Bengal. The monsoon has also spread over the entire northeastern states such as Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya.

The IMD noted that favourable conditions are expected for the monsoon to progress further over the next three days. It is predicted to cover the remaining parts of the central Arabian Sea, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and additional northeastern states, including parts of the Sub-Himalayan region.

The arrival of the southwest monsoon on May 26 has triggered severe weather conditions across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra as well as Karnataka. The IMD has issued red alerts for multiple regions, predicting intense rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.

According to IMD’s latest bulletin, a red alert was issued for Mumbai suburban areas on the morning of May 26. The forecast predicted moderate thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, with maximum surface wind speeds ranging between 41 and 61 kmph in gusts.

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai, also placed districts like Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg under red alert.

The weather agency has also issued a red alert for the districts of Ratnagiri, Sidhudurg, Kolhapur and parts of Satara on May 27.

The IMD also issued a red alert for parts of Karnataka, forecasting extremely heavy showers across the state on May 26. The downpour led to waterlogging and severe traffic congestion in various districts, echoing the situation in Maharashtra. Both states are witnessing significant impacts due to the accelerated advance of the southwest monsoon.

Mumbai’s suburban railway network faced widespread disruptions as rainwater flooded multiple tracks. The Central Railway temporarily suspended services between Wadala Road and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) due to extensive waterlogging. Trains on other sectors of the Central Railway were running at reduced speeds, with delays reported on the main line as well.

Officials from the Railway Division stated that heavy rain, overflow from BMC drainage lines, and high tide conditions contributed to waterlogging. Coordination with the municipal authorities is underway to mitigate the impact and resume normal train services.

The heavy rain has taken a toll on infrastructure. In South Mumbai, a section of road collapsed due to water saturation, leading to restricted traffic movement, according to NDTV. Additionally, several areas — including the Andheri Subway — were submerged, disrupting daily life.

The IMD also flagged a high tide alert in the Arabian Sea, advising Mumbai citizens to avoid visiting coastal areas. Lifeguards and police personnel have been stationed at Mumbai’s Juhu Beach to prevent mishaps.

In view of the red alert and ongoing disruptions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged residents to remain indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary.