Mumbai Braces for Cyclone Shakhti: IMD Issues Orange Alert Amid Intensifying Arabian Sea Storm
Mumbai is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of a developing weather system over the Arabian Sea that could intensify into Cyclone Shakhti. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the city, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall and strong winds over the coming days. This marks an early onset of intense pre-monsoon activity, catching many residents and officials off guard. Unseasonal Rain with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds lashed Maharashtra, killing 7 people. Kalyan slab collapse killed 6; Pune electrocution claimed a child. Hoardings, mobile towers collapsed; vehicles, bikes crushed. Mumbai saw flooding, tree falls, and fires. IMD issued Orange, yellow alerts amid cyclonic activity off the Karnataka coast until May 24.
Unusual Weather Patterns Fuel Cyclone Shakthi Development
The sudden uptick in rainfall and thunderstorms in the region is attributed to a combination of high moisture levels, increasing heat, wind convergence, and a low-pressure area forming over the east-central Arabian Sea. A persistent cyclonic circulation near the North Karnataka-Goa coast has further contributed to unstable weather across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The IMD’s red alert signifies the expectation of extremely heavy rainfall in specific areas, urging residents to take immediate precautions. Mumbai has been placed under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of significant rainfall that may cause disruption.
Weather experts, including meteorologist Shubhangi Bhute and enthusiast Athreya Shetty, explain that a rare western disturbance recently disrupted the typical dry summer conditions in the region. This allowed more moisture from the Arabian Sea to move inland, fueling the rain spells seen across the city and suburbs.
Civic Authorities Urge Precautionary Measures
In anticipation of worsening conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued precautionary advisories. Residents living on hill slopes in areas like Vikhroli and Ghatkopar have been urged to evacuate and shift to safer locations. Localities such as Varsha Nagar, Ram Nagar, and Sanjay Gandhi Nagar are particularly vulnerable to landslides, structural collapses, and flooding due to water runoff from higher elevations. Authorities have advised residents, especially those in low-lying and coastal areas, to stay alert and take necessary precautions. Fishermen are warned against venturing into the sea due to worsening marine conditions
The BMC has made it clear that it will not be responsible for any damage or loss in these high-risk zones if residents fail to relocate. Additionally, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 96 cessed buildings in South and Central Mumbai, marking them as “extremely dangerous” and urging immediate evacuation ahead of the monsoon.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
According to the IMD, Mumbai is expected to experience cloudy conditions with very warm and humid weather today, with temperatures reaching up to 36°C. Tomorrow, the city may see a thunderstorm in parts of the area in the afternoon, with a high of 31°C. From Monday onwards, heavy rain is forecasted, with potential for flash flooding.Mumbai and its neighboring coastal regions are on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of a developing low-pressure system over the east-central Arabian Sea. This system is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 36 hours, with the potential for further strengthening thereafter. In response, the IMD has issued a red alert for several districts in Maharashtra, including Raigad and Ratnagiri, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the coming days.
Public Advised to Stay Informed and Prepared
With the IMD’s orange alert in place, residents are advised to regularly monitor weather updates, follow civic guidelines, and take all necessary precautions for their safety. Authorities stress that public cooperation will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the impending storm.
As Mumbai braces for Cyclone Shakhti, the city must remain vigilant and prepared to face the challenges posed by this intensifying weather system.