Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed one of its heaviest spells of rain this monsoon as intense overnight showers lashed the city from August 15 into the early hours of Saturday, August 16. The downpour, which began late Friday evening, intensified through the night, leading to widespread waterlogging and a wet start to the weekend for Mumbaikars.
Over 200mm Overnight Rainfall Recorded
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several parts of the city recorded extremely heavy rainfall within a span of a few hours. Vikhroli topped the list with 248.5 mm of rain, followed closely by Santacruz with 232.5 mm and Sion with 221 mm. Other areas such as Juhu (208 mm), Bandra (173 mm), Byculla (158.5 mm), and Chembur’s Tata Power station (127.5 mm) also recorded heavy rainfall. Colaba, in South Mumbai, saw a comparatively lower total at 70.4 mm.
Civic authorities shared consolidated rainfall figures between 8 am on August 15 and 4 am on August 16, which highlighted the scale of the downpour. The city division recorded 99.61 mm, the eastern suburbs 142.80 mm, and the western suburbs 144.57 mm on average.
Hourly readings showed the intensity of the rain, with pockets such as Ghatkopar’s Ramabai Municipal School logging 49 mm in just one hour. Similarly, Vikhroli’s BP office reported 42 mm, while Dahisar’s Tare Municipal School and Fire Station recorded 40 mm and 39 mm respectively.
Several monitoring stations across Worli, Dadar, Chembur, Govandi, Andheri, Borivali and Malad reported between 30 to 38 mm of rainfall in just one hour, reflecting the widespread nature of the showers across the city.
Despite such high numbers, Mumbai’s suburban train network, considered the city’s lifeline, remained largely operational with only slight delays. Road traffic too witnessed manageable disruptions, though several low-lying areas in Sion, Kings Circle, Andheri and Vile Parle reported waterlogging.
Mumbai Police Issues Advisory
The Mumbai police, in an advisory posted on X, cautioned citizens against stepping out unless absolutely necessary. The statement read, “Mumbai is experiencing heavy rainfall. Water-logging and reduced visibility have been reported in several areas. Mumbaikars are advised to avoid non-essential travel and to exercise caution while venturing out. Police have been instructed to be on high alert and @MumbaiPolice is alert and ready to help Mumbaikars. In case of any emergency, dial 100/112/103.”
With more rain predicted by the IMD over the weekend, officials have urged residents to remain cautious, especially in flood-prone and low-lying areas, as the city braces for continued wet conditions.
