Heavy Rains Disrupt Mumbai: Flights Diverted, Train Services Delayed Amid Red Alert

Mumbai has been placed under a red alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as severe thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall continue to batter the city and surrounding districts.

The IMD has also forecast gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h, warning residents to take precautions as the adverse weather is expected to worsen in the coming hours.

Photo Credit: PTI

Impact on Flights and Trains

Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have been severely disrupted, with multiple go-arounds and diversions reported. Earlier, an Indigo flight was forced to abort landing due to wind shear and diverted to Ahmedabad. SpiceJet issued a statement urging passengers to monitor flight statuses as further delays are anticipated.

The city's suburban train services have also been heavily affected. Rail tracks at Kurla, Bhandup, and Vikhroli are submerged, causing delays of up to an hour on the Central Railway (CR) line. Trains have also skipped stops at Nahur, Kanjurmarg, and Vidyavihar stations, further inconveniencing commuters. Meanwhile, cancellations on the Western Railway line have led to overcrowding at key stations like Churchgate.

IMD's Weather Forecast

The IMD has predicted an escalation in rainfall over the coming days due to a trough from lower to mid-levels strengthening over the North Konkan region. Mumbai, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada are expected to experience widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall, with certain areas likely to see extreme conditions exceeding 204.5 mm. The IMD also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds.

The intensifying weather conditions are being attributed to a trough extending from North Konkan to South Bangladesh, which is interacting with a cyclonic circulation over South Chhattisgarh, resulting in heightened weather disturbances.

Residents are advised to stay updated on weather warnings and take necessary precautions as Mumbai braces for more heavy rains in the coming days.