The southwest monsoon is expected to intensify across several parts of India over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heavy rainfall warning for Mumbai and adjoining districts while forecasting increased weather activity in Delhi over the weekend.

Mumbai and surrounding regions of Maharashtra are likely to witness heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, while the national capital is expected to receive light showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds after a relatively subdued monsoon onset.

Mumbai, adjoining districts under orange alert

IMD has declared an orange warning for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad and Jalgaon districts, saying that there will be heavy rainfall in the next few hours along with the prediction of rainfall in the next 24 hours.

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According to the weather department, various places of Mumbai and its surrounding areas might receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, while some places may experience extremely heavy rainfall. At times, wind speed would also cross 50-60 kmph.

These active monsoon conditions have brought about widespread rainfall in Pune district and Western Ghats. Officials of the IMD said that the reason behind increased rain activity was the formation of a low pressure in the northwest Bay of Bengal.

As per the weather pattern, there has been heavy to very heavy rainfall in Konkan, Pune, and ghat areas of Satara within the last 24 hours.

Delhi likely to witness increase in monsoon activity

In the national capital, the IMD has forecast a gradual increase in monsoon activity beginning this weekend after a relatively weak start to the season.

A yellow alert has been issued for Saturday, with forecasts predicting generally cloudy skies accompanied by one or two spells of light rain. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph, with gusts up to 50 kmph, are also expected.

Mumbai braces for downpour, Delhi awaits rain
ZOOM IMAGE
Mumbai braces for downpour, Delhi awaits rain | ANI

According to IMD forecasts, Delhi could receive light to moderate rainfall on Sunday morning, followed by another spell later in the evening or night. Wind speeds may touch 60 kmph during thunderstorm activity.

Monsoon impacts felt across northern and western India

On the other hand, disruptions related to the monsoon were also reported in the state of Himachal Pradesh, whereby the National Highway-5 in the district of Kinnaur experienced disruption due to blockage caused by debris flow resulting from rain activities.

Traffic was later facilitated in the area through use of heavy machinery in clearing of the particular section.

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The recent satellite images that have been issued by the IMD show the presence of cloudy skies in the southern and eastern sections of the country, thereby showing how uneven the monsoon activities have become in India.

Weather experts have called on people in the affected areas to exercise caution.

FAQs

Q1. What areas have been issued with heavy rain warnings?
The Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad and Jalgaon districts have been put under orange alert for heavy and extremely heavy rainfall.

Q2. Will there be any rains in Delhi over the weekend?
Yes. The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorm and gusty winds in the city.