By adbnu564 
Mumbai woke up to a dramatic weather shift on May 8, 2025, as unseasonal rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds swept across the city and neighboring districts. This sudden weather change caught many off guard, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its weather alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region from yellow to orange. This increase in alert level indicated a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas, with residents being warned to prepare for more intense weather conditions.
The downpour began late Tuesday evening after a period of unusually high temperatures, which saw Santacruz and Colaba observatories recording maximum temperatures of 34°C, with minimum temperatures also exceeding the seasonal average. This warm spell was quickly replaced by a sharp change in weather, with heavy rains and thunderstorms making their way into the city.
The IMD attributed the sudden onset of pre-monsoon showers to a powerful western disturbance at lower atmospheric levels. This disturbance brought significant moisture into the region, setting the stage for a clash between westerly and easterly winds—an ideal condition for thunderstorms.
By Wednesday morning, widespread rainfall affected areas from Dahisar and Borivli to Andheri, Powai, and Lalbaug. Along with the rains, lightning and strong winds, gusting up to 50-60 kmph in some parts, created further disruptions. The heavy rainfall impacted visibility, slowed traffic, and caused disruptions to suburban railway services, particularly when debris was blown onto overhead equipment in Dahisar.
The IMD’s nowcast warning predicted that these intense weather conditions would continue until at least May 9, with relief expected only after May 10. Daytime temperatures were also expected to dip by 1–2°C, providing some temporary respite from the recent heatwave.
With the monsoon season on the horizon, this early weather pattern has raised concerns about the impact of the upcoming rains. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious, as the risk of flooding and other weather-related disruptions remains high.
As Mumbai continues to cope with these unseasonal showers, residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the ongoing stormy weather.