IMD predicts heavy rain in coastal Maharashtra, issues yellow alert for Mumbai

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in parts of Maharashtra. This includes an orange alert for the coastal districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, and a yellow alert for Mumbai and the North Konkan region. This alert is valid for May 21 and May 22, 2025.

An orange alert means there is a high possibility of heavy rain, with expected rainfall between 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm within 24 hours. A yellow alert is issued for moderate rainfall, ranging from 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm in 24 hours.

According to Shubhangi Bhute, a scientist at IMD’s Mumbai Regional Meteorological Centre, a low-pressure area is expected to form in the east-central Arabian Sea, near the Karnataka coast, around May 22. This weather development has prompted the IMD to issue these alerts. “There will be strong winds and heavy rainfall along the Maharashtra coast and ghat areas like Nashik and Pune, with wind speeds reaching 50-60 km/h,” she said.

Fishermen and Coastal Regions on High Alert

As a precaution, fishermen in Worli-Koliwada, Mumbai, have been seen removing boats from the Arabian Sea. This is in response to alerts issued for storms and rough seas. Authorities have warned all fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea along the Maharashtra coast and in other parts of the country.

The IMD has also issued warnings for fishermen operating in other regions:

• East-central and northeast Arabian Sea – fishing is suspended on May 25-26.

• Somalia coast and southwest Arabian Sea – fishing banned during the same period.

• Andhra Pradesh coast and west-central Bay of Bengal – fishing not allowed from May 21-26.

• Andaman Sea – avoid fishing on May 26.

These bans are due to rough sea conditions, which may worsen if the low-pressure system intensifies. The IMD is monitoring the situation closely and mentioned that this system could develop into a depression, and possibly a cyclonic storm, depending on atmospheric conditions.

The IMD earlier reported heavy rain in many areas between 8:30 AM on Thursday and 5:30 AM on Friday, including:

• Gangetic West Bengal

• Konkan and Goa

• Coastal Andhra Pradesh

• Parts of Northeast India

The IMD has also said that continued heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the west coast, including Karnataka and Kerala, in the next few days. On Wednesday, a red alert was issued in Uttara Kannada, where severe rains had already affected several areas.

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Why this matters

This weather system, though not yet a cyclone, has the potential to become stronger. Meteorologists are observing its path and strength closely. The low-pressure area is expected to move northwards and become a depression in the next 36 hours.

If it intensifies further, it could cause more rainfall, winds, and sea disturbances, affecting both the coastal population and fishermen across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and nearby regions.

In the coming days, people living in coastal areas and ghat regions are advised to:

• Stay updated with weather reports

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall

• Follow local administration and IMD guidelines

• Fishermen should strictly avoid going into the sea

IMD continues to monitor the situation and will issue more updates as necessary. Meanwhile, the public is urged to remain cautious and prepared as the monsoon weather patterns begin to form along India’s western coast.