Mumbai Rain Update: Orange Alert Issued; Transportation and Office Disruptions
Mumbai remains under heavy monsoon rains, with an orange alert issued for August 20. The city is grappling with waterlogging, transport disruptions, and evacuations as the India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall through August 21.
MumbaiMonsoonOrange AlertTransportationEvacuationsReal Estate MaharashtraAug 20, 2025
As of August 20, 2025, Mumbai continues to grapple with severe monsoon conditions. The city has been under a red alert since August 19, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall through August 21. On August 19 alone, Mumbai recorded over 300 mm of rainfall, exacerbating waterlogging and transport disruptions.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that over 200 mm of rain fell in just 11 hours on August 19, with high tide reaching 3.75 meters at 9:16 AM, contributing to the swelling of the Mithi River and necessitating evacuations in areas like Kurla. In response to the ongoing weather conditions, NAREDCO Maharashtra postponed its annual real estate event, “Reimagining Maharashtra: Global Alliances to Local Impact,” scheduled for August 20, due to the continuous heavy rains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Yesterday saw the closure of government and semi-government offices, and advisories for private companies to allow work-from-home arrangements. However, BMC has not declared any official office closure for today. Employees are advised to stay updated via their organisations, with many likely to continue remote work arrangements out of caution.
As many as 782 passengers were rescued on Tuesday evening after two overcrowded Monorail trains stalled on elevated tracks in Mumbai during torrential rains, sparking panic and a large-scale rescue operation. All 582 stranded passengers were safely rescued. Of them, 23 who complained of suffocation were treated onsite by the onboard doctor of the 108 ambulance service and later discharged. Two others, identified as Kismat Kumar (20) and Vivek Sonavane (28), were taken to Sion Hospital and treated on an OPD basis. Both are stable, confirmed Dr Mukesh, AMO, Sion Hospital, according to the BMC.
Suburban rail remains the city’s lifeline, but torrential rains continue to affect operations. The Harbour line between CSMT and Kurla remains suspended as tracks at Chunabhatti are submerged under about 15 inches (38 cm) of water. Trains between Kurla and Panvel resumed by around 10 pm Tuesday once floodwaters receded.
Heavy rains pounded Mumbai on Tuesday, with Santacruz in the western suburbs recording the highest rainfall at 151.4 mm in just six hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm, Vikhroli received 141.5 mm rainfall, Juhu 110.5 mm, Byculla 92 mm, Bandra 89 mm and Colaba 29 mm, according to the IMD figures. Earlier, in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday, Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs recorded the highest downpour at 255.5 mm, while Santacruz logged 238.2 mm. But in the subsequent six-hour spell, Santacruz surpassed all other locations, the IMD said. The intense showers caused waterlogging in several low-lying areas of the city, disrupting road and rail traffic and also affected flight services, officials said.
A viral message claiming that schools and colleges in Mumbai would remain closed on Wednesday (20 August) under a “red” alert turned out to be completely fabricated. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) clarified via its official X account that no such closure notice has been issued.
The city wakes up under an orange alert, signalling heavy rainfall across Mumbai and surrounding areas as forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While the intensity is expected to ease compared to recent days, the lingering deluge continues to leave its mark—from suburban rail hiccups to office disruptions. Here’s what you need to know today.
Mumbai’s low-lying roads and transit routes remain vulnerable. Waterlogging has persistently affected major areas like Dadar, Andheri, Chembur, and Matunga. Commuters can expect longer travel times, congested roads, and possible traffic jams, particularly during high tide hours. Yesterday, high tides occurred at around 9:16 am (3.75 m) and 8:53 pm (3.14 m), while low tides were at 3:16 pm (2.22 m) and early this morning. Travellers are advised to plan carefully and avoid unnecessary journeys.
Due to persistent heavy rainfall and citywide flooding, the Prime Minister has cancelled all scheduled events for August 20. Public gatherings and official programmes have been postponed, with advisories issued for citizens to remain indoors. Emergency services are on high alert, and rescue operations continue to assist stranded commuters across the city.
Mumbai continues to face relentless monsoon rains on August 20, with heavy waterlogging reported across low-lying areas like Kurla, Dadar, and Matunga. Suburban train services remain disrupted, roads are submerged, and authorities are conducting evacuations near the swollen Mithi River. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current weather alert for Mumbai?
Mumbai is currently under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Are schools closed in Mumbai today?
No, schools and colleges in Mumbai are not closed today. A viral message claiming closures was fabricated, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has clarified that no such closure notice has been issued.
What is the status of local train services in Mumbai?
Suburban train services remain disrupted. The Harbour line between CSMT and Kurla remains suspended due to submerged tracks. Trains between Kurla and Panvel have resumed operations.
What happened to the Monorail trains in Mumbai?
Two overcrowded Monorail trains stalled on elevated tracks in Mumbai during torrential rains, leading to a large-scale rescue operation. All 782 stranded passengers were safely rescued, and two passengers were treated at Sion Hospital.
What are the travel advisories for Mumbai residents?
Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel. Commuters should expect longer travel times, congested roads, and possible traffic jams, particularly during high tide hours.
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