Heavy rains in Mumbai, schools & colleges shut as IMD issues red alert

Mumbai witnessed heavy rainfall for the third consecutive day on Monday, prompting the IMD to issue a 'red alert' for the city and adjoining districts. Roads in several areas of Mumbai got inundated after the downpour. Some low-lying areas like the Andheri Subway and Lokhandwala Complex witnessed water accumulation at a few locations, affecting traffic movement. The blinding rain in some parts of the city affected visibility and slowed down vehicular movement, as per motorists.

VIDEO | Heavy rain lashes Mumbai, leading to waterlogging in several areas. Visuals show traffic disruptions at Wadala.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Qrw2MQ0rji

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 18, 2025

Local trains, considered as the lifeline of the metropolis, were running late by 8 to 10 minutes but there was no suspension of services, according to officials. CM Devendra Fadnavis says Mumbai received 177 millimetres of rain in a 6-8 hour period on Monday. He has asked citizens to observe all precautions since more rain is expected throughout the day, along with high tides. Fadnavis says that at least 15 districts of the state are under red or orange alert for the next two days. He also adds that Amba, Jagbudi and a few other rivers in Konkan have crossed their warning level.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "In the last 2 days, Maharashtra has received widespread rainfall. Red Alert and Orange Alert have been issued for several districts. Even for the next three days, until 21st August, half of the districts in Maharashtra have… pic.twitter.com/GXvvleVAYP

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025

The IMD issued a 'red alert', predicting extremely heavy rains at isolated places in Mumbai and neighbouring areas on Monday, prompting the city civic body to declare a holiday for all schools and colleges, officials said. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) appealed to residents to step out only if necessary, and the IMD asked fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea. Mumbai airport spokesperson said nine flights conducted "go arounds" before finally landing, while one flight was diverted to Surat (in Gujarat) till 12 noon due to the heavy rains. The IMD forecast, Mumbai is likely to see moderate to heavy rainfall across the city and suburbs, with chances of very heavy rain and gusty winds by night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24°C and 27°C.

A red alert was also sounded for Ratnagiri district on Monday, while Sindhudurg has been placed under an orange alert for both Monday and Tuesday.Meanwhile, heavy traffic jams were reported on the Western Expressway in Vile Parle, which connects Mumbai’s business district with its suburbs.