Mumbai witnessed one of its heaviest spells of monsoon rain this season on Wednesday, recording more than 300 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions and flooding in several parts of the city.
According to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai received over 300 mm of rainfall between 8 am on Tuesday and 7 am on Wednesday. Weather observers noted that nearly 52 per cent of the city’s average June rainfall was recorded within a few hours between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
The intense overnight downpour affected both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, with reports of flooding in low-lying areas, water accumulation on roads and railway tracks, and disruptions to daily life.
Visuals from Dadar railway station showed tracks submerged under water, while several residential and commercial areas remained inundated due to continuous rainfall through the night.
One of the worst-affected locations was the Andheri subway, which was temporarily shut to vehicular traffic after severe waterlogging rendered it unsafe.
Civic officials stationed at the site restricted vehicle movement and deployed personnel to prevent motorists from entering the flooded stretch.
A BMC official said that no immediate solution had been found to tackle recurring waterlogging at the location and that traffic regulation measures were being implemented to ensure public safety.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) initially issued a red alert for Mumbai and neighbouring Palghar district in the early hours of Wednesday, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, intense to very intense rainfall and strong winds.
However, as weather conditions moderated slightly, the alert was later downgraded to an orange alert. The IMD has forecast moderate to intense rainfall spells across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar and Sindhudurg districts.
The BMC also issued an orange warning, cautioning residents about the likelihood of continued heavy rainfall and localised flooding in vulnerable areas.
Despite the heavy rains, civic authorities said all major subways across the city remained operational, and traffic movement was largely normal in most parts of Mumbai. However, commuters experienced delays in several locations due to waterlogging, reduced visibility and slow-moving traffic.
The civic body has forecast a generally cloudy sky over Mumbai and its suburbs, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected throughout the day. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also likely.
Meanwhile, the IMD has advised fishermen along the south Maharashtra-Goa coastline not to venture into the sea until June 26 due to rough sea conditions and adverse weather.
With heavy rainfall expected to persist over the coming days, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded areas, follow official weather advisories and stay alert in vulnerable locations.
The latest spell of rain underscores the challenges posed by the monsoon season in India’s financial capital, where intense rainfall often leads to flooding, transport disruptions and civic challenges across the metropolitan region.
