Mumbai on yellow alert as heavy rain causes waterlogging, traffic snarls

Heavy showers disrupt traffic and rail services in Mumbai, while Raigad and Thane remain under red alert; IMD forecasts continued rain in Maharashtra this week

Mumbai residents woke up to a rain-soaked Monday morning, with heavy overnight and early-morning showers causing waterlogging in low-lying areas across the city and suburbs. 

Heavy rain disrupts city life

Traffic slowed significantly during office rush hours, and local trains experienced delays due to water accumulation at Kurla on the Central Railway and Bandra on the Western Railway routes. 

• King’s Circle: Roads were inundated, worsened by water-filled potholes. 
• Colaba: Recorded the highest rainfall at 88.2 mm. 
• Bandra: Registered 82 mm of rainfall. 
• Byculla: Logged 73 mm of rainfall. 
• Mahul Tata Power Station: Reported 70.5 mm rainfall. 
• Juhu, Santacruz, Mahalaxmi: Lighter showers in the range of 36.5 to 45 mm.

IMD forecasts continued rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, warning of intense rain spells with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph. Raigad and Thane districts are under a red alert. The Mumbai Traffic Police announced the closure of traffic at Andheri Subway, diverting vehicles via Gokhale Bridge due to 1–1.5 feet of accumulated rainwater. 

 

खार सबवे (वाकोला) या ठिकाणी 1 ते 1.5 फूट फूट पाणी साठलेले आहे आणि पानबाई स्कुल नॉर्थ बाउंड स्लिप रोड या ठिकाणी एक फूट पाणी साठलेले असल्याने वाहतूक मंद गतीने चालू आहे.#MTPTrafficUpdate

— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) September 15, 2025

Train services disrupted amid rain

The city’s monorail service came to a halt in Wadala due to a technical snag. All 17 passengers on board were safely evacuated and transferred to another train. 

 

The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation confirmed that services between Wadala and Chembur remained operational, while the affected train was being towed. Ward Councillor Rajesh Bhojane called on the government to address recurring monorail issues, noting similar incidents in the past.

 

“Local trains are delayed by 10 minutes on the Main Line and the Harbour Line of the Central Railway. There is water accumulation at some spots, but trains are still running with all precautions,” informed the CPRO, Central Railways.

Airlines issue advisory

Airlines issued advisories for travellers. IndiGo urged passengers to leave early and check flight status, while SpiceJet warned that arrivals and departures at Mumbai airport may face delays due to adverse weather.

Travel Advisory  ⛈️ It is a rain-soaked day in #Mumbai, and several roads leading to the airport are reporting delays due to heavy downpour.  Please plan your journey with care and leave early if you are scheduled to travel today.  Checking your flight status on our app or…

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) September 15, 2025

Weekly forecast for Maharashtra

The IMD predicts continued light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers across Mumbai, Pune, and adjoining areas through September 16. Heavy rainfall is likely in Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada on September 14 and 15, with some downpours continuing into midweek. 

Impact across Maharashtra

Pune also experienced heavy rainfall on Monday morning, leading authorities to advise caution. Citizens are urged to stay alert in low-lying or flood-prone areas and follow official advisories, while traffic and civic teams continue managing waterlogged streets.

When does the monsoon retreat from Mumbai?

The southwest monsoon withdraws from Mumbai around October 8, but in recent years, the retreat has often been delayed. Data from 2001 to 2024 shows that the monsoon has withdrawn as late as October 28 in 2019, and on several occasions in mid-October, including October 15 to 26 in multiple years. 

This year, with heavy rainfall continuing into mid-September, meteorologists expect the monsoon to gradually recede over Mumbai by late October, in line with the recent pattern of delayed withdrawal.