Mumbai Weather Alert: IMD Issues Yellow and Orange Alerts; Red Alert for Ratnagiri as Heavy Rain Looms

Mumbai, June 13, 2025 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of weather alerts for Mumbai and several districts across Maharashtra, forecasting an escalation in monsoon activity over the coming days. The alerts include a yellow warning for Friday and an orange alert for Saturday in Mumbai, while Ratnagiri has been placed under a red alert, indicating extremely heavy rainfall.

According to the IMD’s update released on Thursday, these alerts stem from the influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify the monsoon system along India’s western coastline. As a result, the Konkan belt—including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg—is set to witness significant rainfall over the weekend.

Mumbai Braces for Wet Weekend

For Friday, June 14, Mumbai has been issued a yellow alert, suggesting light to moderate rainfall. The situation is expected to intensify by Saturday, June 15, as the IMD has upgraded the alert to orange, forecasting heavy to very heavy showers in isolated parts of the city.

City officials are on alert, especially in areas known for waterlogging such as Sion, Andheri, Kurla, and parts of South Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said it is prepared with emergency response teams and dewatering pumps across the city.

Red Alert for Ratnagiri, Orange Alerts for Raigad and Sindhudurg

The most severe weather warning has been issued for Ratnagiri, which will be under a red alert on Friday. This means the region is likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm in a 24-hour period. Such rainfall can lead to flash floods, river swelling, and landslides, especially in hilly terrains and rural areas.

Both Raigad and Sindhudurg districts are under an orange alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with potential disruption to daily life, traffic movement, and public transportation services. On Saturday, Sindhudurg joins Mumbai and Thane under the orange alert zone.

The IMD noted that this system is dynamic, and changes to alert levels may be issued as new satellite and radar data come in.

Cyclonic Circulation Fuels Rainfall Intensity

The sudden increase in rainfall intensity is attributed to an upper air cyclonic circulation that has formed over the central Bay of Bengal. Meteorologists say this circulation is expected to move westward, enhancing the southwest monsoon current along the Konkan coast. This typically results in widespread showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across coastal Maharashtra.

The current system is also expected to increase moisture availability in the atmosphere, contributing to longer and more intense rain spells, particularly during the evening and night hours.

Safety Measures and Public Advisory

In light of the alerts, the IMD has advised residents in the affected districts to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain periods.
• Stay away from waterlogged areas and weak structures.
• Monitor updates from local authorities and the IMD regularly.
• Fishermen are strictly advised not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions and potential squalls.

Schools and colleges in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg may be closed on Friday depending on local administrative decisions, especially in flood-prone regions.
 

Transport and Emergency Services on Alert

Mumbai’s suburban train services, often disrupted by heavy rain, are being monitored by the Western and Central Railway authorities. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned teams in vulnerable districts, with equipment ready for rescue and relief operations.

The BMC has also urged citizens to use official sources like the MCGM 1916 helpline, disaster management apps, and weather bulletins for real-time updates.

As the monsoon sets in with full force, residents across Mumbai and the Konkan region are advised to stay alert and prepared. The IMD continues to monitor the developing weather system and will update alerts accordingly.