Mumbai and parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region are on high alert today, July 23, as the India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several districts.

While schools in Mumbai continue to function as usual, authorities in Palghar have declared a holiday for all educational institutions after a Red Alert was issued for the district.

Palghar shuts schools and colleges

The Palghar district administration announced a holiday for all schools, colleges, anganwadis and other educational institutions after the IMD issued a Red Alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall in the area.

Also Read | Ram temple trust gives Ayodhya seers key role, puts CEO appointment on hold

The weather department has cautioned about heavy to very heavy rain at many places, with isolated locations likely to witness extremely heavy showers, raising concerns over flooding and disruption.

Mumbai schools remain open

Unlike Palghar, no citywide holiday has been declared in Mumbai. Schools and colleges are expected to function normally unless local weather conditions worsen significantly through the day.

Thane under orange alert

Article Image
ZOOM IMAGE
Mumbai prepares for extreme rainfall | X ( Pramod Jain)

Neighbouring Thane district continues to be under an Orange Alert, with the IMD forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall along with strong winds over the next several hours.

Also Read | Delhi Airport issues travel advisory as IMD predicts more rain

Strong winds likely across the region

The weather department has predicted gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph across Mumbai, Thane and Palghar, with some coastal areas expected to witness even stronger gusts.

Local officials given power to shut schools

The Maharashtra government has authorised district collectors and local authorities to take immediate calls on shutting schools depending on flooding, waterlogging, landslides or other safety concerns in their areas.

Heavy rain expected across Konkan

Also Read | Delhi-NCR traffic hit by twin protests as youth, farmers block key routes

Apart from Mumbai and Palghar, the IMD has forecast intense rainfall across the wider Konkan region and Goa, with isolated spots in Maharashtra’s ghat areas likely to see extremely heavy showers.

Flooding and waterlogging risks remain

Authorities have warned of possible urban flooding, flash floods in low lying areas, landslides in hilly regions and disruptions to traffic as the active monsoon system continues to bring heavy rain.

Rainfall figures for Mumbai

Also Read | Flood situation grim in Assam as over 7 lakh people remain affected

As per IMD data, Mumbai recorded 36.65 mm rainfall in the city area, 48.70 mm in the eastern suburbs and 64.91 mm in the western suburbs over the past 24 hours, with the western suburbs receiving the highest amount of rain.

Residents advised to stay cautious

Officials have asked people to keep track of weather updates, avoid stepping out unnecessarily during spells of heavy rain and stay away from beaches and coastal areas given the rough sea conditions.

Weather may change through the day

Also Read | 16 Delhi metro stations shut: Authorities heighten security amid protests

The IMD has said conditions could shift quickly as the day progresses, with intermittent heavy showers expected across Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and nearby areas as the monsoon remains active.

FAQs

1: Why is Mumbai on high alert today?

The IMD has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region on July 23.

2: Are schools closed in Mumbai?

No, schools and colleges in Mumbai remain open as no citywide holiday has been declared.