Mumbai Rains Latest Update 2025: Extreme Rainfall Linked to Climate Change, Warn Experts
Mumbai once again witnessed record-breaking heavy rains, triggering waterlogging, traffic jams and widespread disruption across the city. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received over 300 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, the highest for the season so far.
But what caused this extreme downpour? Climate scientists and weather experts are pointing towards a combination of active weather systems and worsening climate change impacts.
Multiple Weather Systems at Play
Experts say that three major weather systems intensified the rainfall over Mumbai:
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A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal moving towards Maharashtra
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A cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea
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Strengthening of the off-shore trough near the Konkan coast
These systems interacted together and pushed large amounts of moisture over the Mumbai region, resulting in prolonged heavy rain spells.
Climate Change Increasing Intensity of Rainfall
According to climate scientists, global warming has increased the capacity of the atmosphere to hold moisture. This means that during the monsoon season, the clouds carry much more water than before, leading to intense short-duration heavy rainfall events.
“What Mumbai is witnessing is not just normal monsoon activity. Climate change is now clearly amplifying the rainfall intensity in the city,” said a senior climate expert from IITM.
A study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) also confirms that urban areas like Mumbai are more vulnerable to intense rainfall due to high surface temperatures and reduced green cover.
IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert
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The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai and nearby districts including Thane, Raigad and Palghar.
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Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel as waterlogging and local train delays continue in several parts of the city.
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Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has activated emergency response teams to deal with flood-prone areas.
Urban Flooding Becoming More Frequent
Urban planners warn that rapid construction and poor drainage systems are making the situation worse. Low-lying areas such as Sion, Kurla, Andheri, Dadar and Chembur remain highly vulnerable during such heavy rain events.
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Over 400 waterlogging complaints were recorded within a day
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Local train services on Central and Western lines were delayed by up to 45 minutes
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Flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport also saw temporary disruptions
What Experts Suggest
| Recommendation | Description |
|---|---|
| Improve drainage infrastructure | Replace old lines & increase drainage capacity |
| Protect natural wetlands | Wetlands act as natural sponges & absorb excess rainwater |
| Adopt sustainable urban planning | More green spaces & proper zoning can reduce flooding |
| Raise public awareness | Citizens must stay informed about weather alerts |
Conclusion
The latest Mumbai rains act as a warning about how climate change is magnifying extreme weather events. With the monsoon still active, authorities and citizens need to stay alert. Long-term measures like urban climate resilience, better infrastructure, and sustainable planning are essential to prevent repeated disasters in the future.