Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar are set for light to moderate rainfall tomorrow, May 25, 2025, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) downgraded its severe rainfall alert for the region, per a report from The Times of India. After days of heavy downpours linked to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea, the IMD now forecasts a calmer weather pattern, with cloudy skies and occasional showers expected across Maharashtra’s coastal belt. The alert’s downgrade offers relief to flood-weary residents, but the IMD warns of potential thunderstorms and gusty winds in isolated areas. Nuzpost breaks down the latest IMD weather updates, tomorrow’s forecast, and the impact of recent rains on the region.
IMD Downgrades Severe Rainfall Alert
The IMD’s Mumbai Regional Meteorological Centre issued a bulletin on May 24, 2025, lowering the severe rainfall alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar from orange to yellow, signaling a shift from heavy to moderate rainfall. The Times of India reported that the cyclonic circulation, which triggered torrential rains earlier this week, is weakening, reducing the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall (above 204.5 mm). Tomorrow’s forecast predicts 15.6–64.4 mm of rain, with cloudy skies, mist, and light to moderate showers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Gusty winds of 30–40 kmph and isolated thunderstorms may accompany the rains, per IMD’s 7-day subdivisional forecast.
The downgrade follows intense rainfall that caused waterlogging in low-lying areas like Andheri, Kurla, and Thane’s Ghodbunder Road. Mumbai recorded 78 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM on May 24, while Thane saw 92 mm, per IMD data. The IMD’s decision to scale back the alert reflects a northward movement of the low-pressure system, which is now expected to bring heavier rains to Konkan, Goa, and Coastal Karnataka, where orange and red alerts remain in place through May 27.
Weather Tomorrow: What to Expect
For Sunday, May 25, Mumbai’s forecast includes:
- Temperature: Maximum of 31°C, minimum of 26°C.
- Conditions: Generally cloudy with light to moderate rain and mist; 70–80% humidity.
- Wind: Southwesterly at 7–10 kmph, with gusts up to 40 kmph in thunderstorms.
- Rainfall: 15.6–64.4 mm, with isolated heavy spells (64.5–115.5 mm) possible in Palghar’s interiors, per IMD’s district-wise forecast.
Thane and Palghar are expected to see similar conditions, though Palghar’s coastal areas may experience slightly heavier showers due to proximity to the cyclonic system. The IMD’s yellow alert advises residents to plan for potential travel delays and monitor updates, as thunderstorms could disrupt road and rail networks. Coastal areas are also warned of rough seas, with fishermen advised to avoid venturing out until May 26, per IMD’s CAP alerts.
Impact of Recent Rains and Response
The past week’s heavy rainfall, peaking at 105 mm in Mumbai’s Colaba observatory on May 22, led to significant disruptions. Waterlogging paralyzed traffic on Western Express Highway and in Thane’s Wagle Estate, while fallen trees in Borivali and Mulund delayed suburban train services. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed pumps to clear flooded underpasses, but criticism persists over clogged storm-water drains, with 2,100 of 4,500 encroachments still uncleared, per BMC data. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing Vivid Sydney’s launch on May 23, assured accelerated flood mitigation measures, including desilting and drain remodeling.
The IMD’s timely warnings, upgraded to orange on May 20, helped mitigate worse outcomes, with schools in Thane closing on May 22 as a precaution. However, the rains claimed one life in Palghar due to a wall collapse, underscoring the need for infrastructure resilience, per local reports. The IMD’s collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, highlighted during World Meteorological Day 2025, emphasizes early warnings’ role in reducing risks, with new LIDAR systems aiding forecasts.
Broader Weather Context and Concerns
While Mumbai’s alert has eased, the IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.5–204.5 mm) along the west coast, with extremely heavy falls (>204.5 mm) likely in Konkan, Goa, and Coastal Karnataka through May 27. A red alert remains for Coastal Karnataka, where Bengaluru recorded 105.5 mm on May 20, causing five deaths from electrocution and collapses, per Karnataka government reports. The cyclonic circulation, now moving north, may intensify into a low-pressure area, potentially affecting Gujarat by May 26, per IMD’s extended range guidance.
Residents in Mumbai and Thane have voiced frustration over recurring floods, echoing Bengaluru’s struggles with poor urban planning. Social media posts reflect public sentiment, with users urging civic bodies to prioritize drainage upgrades over festival promotions like Vivid Sydney, though these remain unverified. The IMD’s warnings have been critical, but gaps in civic response highlight the need for better preparedness, especially as monsoon season looms.
Looking Ahead
Tomorrow’s lighter rains offer Mumbai a breather, but the IMD advises vigilance due to possible thunderstorms. The yellow alert extends to May 26, with conditions expected to stabilize by May 27 as the cyclonic system dissipates. Residents should avoid low-lying areas, secure loose objects against gusty winds, and check transport updates, as Central Railway reported delays on May 24. The BMC has set up 24/7 control rooms, with helplines active for rain-related emergencies.
As Vivid Sydney lights up Circular Quay, the extended Sunday trading hours until 10pm may see dampened crowds due to the weather, but the festival’s economic boost remains vital. Mumbai’s resilience will be tested as it balances cultural vibrancy with weather challenges, with the IMD’s forecasts guiding the way.
Nuzpost will monitor Mumbai’s weather updates and Vivid Sydney’s impact through June.
