Mumbai prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi amid yellow alert for heavy rains
Mumbai and its suburbs received intermittent showers on Monday after a brief dry spell, prompting the IMD to issue a yellow alert till Wednesday. Light but widespread rainfall was recorded across the city, signalling possible disruptions for residents ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Mumbai: Maharashtra's capital city and its suburbs saw a return of intermittent rainfall on Monday after a brief dry spell, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for the city until Wednesday, coinciding with the start of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
The advisory covers Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad districts, signalling moderate rainfall and urging residents to stay prepared for potential disruptions. In Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, the alert will remain in effect until August 29.
IMD's weekly weather forecast for Mumbai
| Date | Min Temp | Max Temp | Weather Forecast | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26-Aug | 24 | 28 | Generally cloudy sky with Heavy rain | Heavy Rainfall |
| 27-Aug | 24 | 29 | Generally cloudy sky with Heavy rain | Heavy Rainfall |
| 28-Aug | 25 | 31 | Generally cloudy sky with moderate rain | No warning |
| 29-Aug | 24 | 29 | Generally cloudy sky with Heavy rain | Heavy Rainfall |
| 30-Aug | 25 | 30 | Rain | No warning |
| 31-Aug | 25 | 30 | Rain | No warning |
Meanwhile, rainfall measurements from Sunday through Monday morning indicated light but widespread showers across the city. Santacruz recorded 18.9 mm of rain, while Colaba registered 19 mm. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation weather stations noted 24.05 mm in the eastern suburbs, 21.24 mm in the island city, and 16 mm in the western suburbs over the 24-hour period ending 8 AM Monday.
Heavy rains during Ganesh Chathurthi in Mumbai
The advisory extends through the initial phase of Ganesh Chaturthi from August 26 to 29, with moderate to heavy rainfall anticipated across Mumbai and the wider Konkan region. The Western Ghats are likely to experience particularly intense rain, prompting authorities to advise devotees travelling through rural or hilly areas to plan ahead.
The low-pressure system has already begun influencing weather in Mumbai and its suburbs, and similar conditions are expected over the next four days. Its effects will be felt across the Konkan region, northern Maharashtra, and Vidarbha, with heavy showers potentially affecting traffic and daily activities.
Rain intensity to peak today, tomorrow
Rainfall intensity is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday before easing slightly towards Thursday and Friday. While the first phase of the festival may see limited sunshine, conditions are expected to improve in the latter stages, offering some relief to residents and festival-goers.