Dark rain clouds blanket the Mumbai skyline:

“We expect rains to pick up in the state, including Pune, after September 23. Good rain is anticipated from September 26 due to the likely emergence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and its favourable west-northwestward movement,” stated S.D. Sanap, a scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), in an interview with the Times of India.

The forecast indicates fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall across West India throughout the week.

Forecast for key subdivisions:

• Konkan-Goa and Vidarbha: Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected from September 23-26.
• Madhya Maharashtra: Heavy rainfall is anticipated from September 23-27.
• Marathwada: Isolated heavy rainfall is likely from September 23-25.

In response to the anticipated rainfall, the IMD has issued a red warning for Konkan-Goa on September 24-25 and an orange alert for September 23 and 26. An orange alert has also been issued for Madhya Maharashtra on September 24-25 and for Marathwada on September 25.

Water levels in Mumbai lakes

Mumbai receives over 3,800 million litres per day (MLD) from its reservoirs, including Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar, and Tulsi, located in the Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik districts. The latest data shows that Upper Vaitarna is at 99.15% capacity, while Bhatsa is at 98.39%. Middle Vaitarna is 98.99% full, and Tansa is at 96.66%. Tulsi and Modak Sagar are at 98.74% and 92.83%, respectively, with Vihar Lake at full capacity at 100%.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is set to begin retreating from the neighbouring state of Gujarat starting September 23, marking a shift in the seasonal weather pattern.

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