Mumbai is facing one of its heaviest rain spells of the season, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the city and its suburbs after three consecutive days of torrential downpours. The warning comes alongside predictions of more extreme rainfall and gusty winds, coupled with dangerously high tides expected to worsen the city’s waterlogging crisis.
City Under Red Alert
According to the IMD, Mumbai is bracing for “very heavy to extremely heavy” rainfall across the metropolitan region, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 27°C, while nighttime temperatures may dip to 24°C. Officials have cautioned residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, as road and rail transport have already been severely impacted.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has urged residents to pay attention to high tide schedules, with waves expected to reach up to 3.75 metres. Authorities warn that these tidal surges, coinciding with intense rainfall, could worsen flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.
Widespread Waterlogging and Disruption
Mumbai’s urban infrastructure is struggling under the weight of the relentless rain. Streets in several parts of the city, including Thane and suburban districts, were submerged in knee-deep water. With vehicular movement heavily disrupted, schools and government offices have been ordered shut, while private firms have been asked to shift operations to remote working to reduce travel during hazardous conditions.
The combination of flooded roads, disrupted train services, and strong winds has left residents grappling with limited mobility and power outages in certain pockets. Emergency response teams have been deployed across vulnerable zones, but authorities acknowledge the scale of flooding could escalate during high tide hours.
Intensity of Rainfall
Rainfall statistics underline the scale of the downpour. In a 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Mumbai’s island city recorded an average of 186.43 mm of rain. The situation was even more severe in the suburbs, with the eastern belt receiving 208.78 mm and the western suburbs crossing 238 mm. These figures reflect the intensity of precipitation that has overwhelmed drainage systems and left water stagnating across key junctions.
IMD’s updated forecasts continue to signal more heavy rainfall over the coming days, raising concerns that the city may see further disruption if drainage systems fail to keep up with incoming showers.
High Tide Alerts
Authorities have placed special emphasis on high tide warnings, as tidal surges combined with heavy rainfall pose a compounded risk. Between August 18 and August 21, waves between 3.7 and 4.2 metres are predicted along the Mumbai coastline, including areas stretching from Dongi Point to Belapur.
The IMD has advised suspension of small vessel movement and nearshore recreational activities, while also flagging the possibility of coastal erosion and wave surges.
The BMC has issued the following tide schedules:
August 19, 2025
- High tide: 9:16 a.m. (3.75 m), 8:53 p.m. (3.14 m)
- Low tide: 3:16 p.m. (2.22 m), 3:11 a.m. on August 20 (1.05 m)
August 20, 2025
- High tide: 9:16 a.m. (3.75 m), 8:53 p.m. (3.14 m)
- Low tide: 3:16 p.m. (2.22 m), 3:11 a.m. on August 21 (1.05 m)
The timing of these high tides, coinciding with persistent rain, is expected to intensify waterlogging, particularly in flood-prone zones such as Sion, Kurla, and Chembur.
Safety Measures
Officials have urged residents to remain indoors during peak rainfall and high tide periods, avoid venturing into flooded areas, and stay clear of the coastline. Authorities are also monitoring sensitive spots such as railway underpasses, stormwater drains, and coastal roads to minimize risks to commuters.
With Mumbai under red alert, authorities emphasize that the next 48 hours are crucial. The city is bracing for yet another test of its resilience, as residents and emergency teams prepare for the possibility of worsening floods.