Mumbai residents finally got relief from the oppressive heat as pre-monsoon rains arrived across the city early Wednesday morning. Thick clouds blanketed the skyline before sunrise, bringing scattered showers that gradually intensified by around 7 a.m. Heavy rain, accompanied by strong and gusty winds, affected several parts of Mumbai and its suburban area.
The heaviest downpours targeted the western suburbs during the peak morning commute, with Versova recording 69mm, Vile Parle 52mm, and Andheri 49mm.
Mumbai Rains: Waterlogging Returns after Heavy Rainfall
Pre-monsoon rainfall on Wednesday morning led to localized waterlogging in several low-lying areas across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Intense spells of rain caused flooding on roads in Versova, Vile Parle, and Andheri, while residents reported water accumulation in Borivali, Dahisar, and Mira Bhayandar, affecting traffic movement along the Western Express Highway. Low-lying stretches of Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Marg also witnessed significant water pooling, resulting in temporary congestion and delays for office commuters during the morning rush hour.
Mumbai Rains: Andheri Subway Closed due to Waterlogging
The Andheri subway was forced to close temporarily around 7:40 AM due to severe water accumulation. Municipal teams quickly deployed heavy-duty dewatering pumps to clear the tracks and roadway. The water receded rapidly, allowing authorities to safely reopen the subway to vehicular traffic by 8:24 AM.
Mumbai Traffic Police and civic teams deployed heavy-duty dewatering pumps to clear the water, successfully reopening the corridor in under 45 minutes.
The Andheri subway, a vital east-west link beneath the Western Railway tracks, is situated in a low-lying area that is highly prone to flooding during heavy rainfall. On Wednesday morning, nearby areas recorded significantly higher rainfall levels, with Versova receiving 69 mm and Andheri East 49 mm, leading to water accumulation and traffic disruptions.
Mumbai Rains: Yellow Alert Issued for Mumbai and Nearby Cities
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai, along with neighbouring districts such as Thane, Palghar, and Pune, under a Yellow Alert due to expected pre-monsoon weather activity. The forecast includes thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds ranging from 30 to 50 kmph, and light to moderate rainfall, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Authorities have advised commuters to remain cautious, as sudden reductions in visibility and strong crosswinds could lead to localised disruptions, especially during peak travel periods.
Current Rainfall Not Linked to Monsoon Arrival
The current downpour in Mumbai and adjacent cities was not related to an early monsoon arrival; local atmospheric conditions and pre-monsoon weather systems caused it. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the South-west Monsoon will not reach Kerala and Maharashtra before June 10th and is expected to reach the Financial Capital by June 15th.
