Explainer: Red and Orange Alerts Across Maharashtra

Mumbai woke up drenched yet again on Monday as the monsoon rains lashed the city for the third consecutive day

Mumbai and adjoining districts remain on high alert. While the city is used to monsoon disruptions, this spell of intense showers has already strained civic life.

The financial capital witnessed relentless rainfall for the third consecutive day on Monday, with waterlogging, traffic disruption, and delayed trains throwing daily life into chaos. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, while 15 of Maharashtra’s 36 districts remain under red and orange alerts for the next 48 hours.

Low Visibility, flooded roads and still no holiday declared. Such is the situation today

How Heavy Showers Grip the City

Between 9 am and 10 am on Monday, Mumbai saw intense rainfall and 37 mm in the island city, 39 mm in eastern suburbs, and 29 mm in western suburbs.
Chembur topped the charts with 65 mm of rain in just one hour, while Shivaji Nagar reported 50 mm.
In the 24-hour span ending 8 am, the city logged 54.58 mm, eastern suburbs 72.61 mm, and western suburbs 65.86 mm of rainfall. Several localities reported totals crossing 100 mm.

What are the Responses?

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools and colleges scheduled to begin after 12 pm on Monday, citing safety concerns. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Mumbai received 177 mm of rainfall in just 6–8 hours. He urged citizens to remain cautious as more downpours and high tides are expected.

महाराष्ट्र में भारी बारिश से निपटने के लिए विभिन्न प्रकार की व्यवस्था, कई जिलों में रेड व ऑरेंज अलर्ट, आपदा प्रबंधन, किसानों को नुकसान भरपाई, मा. राज्यपाल सीपी राधाकृष्णन जी इनका उप राष्ट्रपति पद के लिए एनडीए के उम्मीदवार हेतु चुने जाना एवं विविध मुद्दों पर मीडिया से संवाद…… pic.twitter.com/iDPIJj93Bz
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 18, 2025

#TravelUpdate: Due to heavy rainfall in certain parts of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, and Pune, we anticipate slow moving traffic and congestion on roads leading to the airport.

To ensure a seamless travel experience, we request you to plan for additional travel time to reach the…
— Akasa Air (@AkasaAir) August 18, 2025

In view of the heavy rain forecast in Mumbai, passengers are advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines and allow extra travel time to reach the airport.#CSMIA #PassengerAdvisory #MumbaiAirport #WeatherUpdate pic.twitter.com/AILp023cun
— Mumbai Airport (@CSMIA_Official) August 18, 2025

VIDEO | Mumbai: Andheri subway closed due to waterlogging as heavy rain continues in the city.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/RomC2WNVbz
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 18, 2025

What are Traffic, Trains, and Transport Say?

Andheri Subway and Lokhandwala Complex reported severe waterlogging, disrupting traffic in low-lying areas.
Suburban trains, Mumbai’s lifeline, were delayed by 15–20 minutes, inconveniencing thousands of daily commuters.
BEST buses, however, continued to run without major disruptions.
Heavy rain also reduced visibility, making driving difficult across multiple stretches.

What IMD Alerts Across Maharashtra Say?

Red Alert: Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri
Orange Alert: Sindhudurg and several other districts
The forecast warns of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated pockets over the next two days, with gusty winds likely in coastal areas.

Dear Mumbaikars,

Caution is advised as heavy rainfall continues under Orange Alert, incidents of water-logging and reduced visibility are being reported from multiple areas. Please avoid non-essential travel, plan your commute with care, and step out only if necessary.

Our…
— Commissioner of Police, Greater Mumbai (@CPMumbaiPolice) August 18, 2025

FactCheck India’s Take

Mumbai is no stranger to the monsoon’s fury, but the past three days have reminded the city of its vulnerabilities and clogged drains, waterlogged roads, and delayed trains. With 15 districts under weather alerts, citizens are urged to:

Avoid venturing into waterlogged zones
Check train and bus schedules before travel
Keep emergency supplies ready
Stay updated with IMD advisories and civic announcements

Conclusion By Factcheck India

Mumbai and adjoining districts remain on high alert. While the city is used to monsoon disruptions, this spell of intense showers has already strained civic life. The next 48 hours are crucial and caution and preparedness can make all the difference.