Wed Sep 25 16:53:47 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai Braces for Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain, Schools Closed

**Mumbai, India – October 25, 2023** – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and surrounding districts in Maharashtra, warning of severe thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain on Wednesday evening. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected, impacting isolated areas.

Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have been disrupted due to the adverse weather. Several flights have been diverted or experienced delays due to wind shear, leading to significant inconvenience for travelers.

Mumbai’s suburban train network has also been severely affected. Heavy rainfall has led to track submersion at several stations, resulting in significant delays and cancellations on the Central and Western Railway lines. Commuters are facing long delays and crowded platforms as the city’s transport system struggles to cope.

In light of the IMD forecast, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that all schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed on Thursday. The BMC has urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

The IMD forecasts continued rainfall and thunderstorm activity over parts of Maharashtra in the coming days, with widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across Mumbai, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada over the next two to three days. Some areas are likely to experience extreme heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm.

The weather system responsible for the intensified weather conditions includes a trough and a shear zone extending from North Konkan to South Bangladesh, which has merged with other atmospheric disturbances.

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