Unseasonal Rain Hits Mumbai on Laxmi Pujan Evening
Just as devotees prepared for Laxmi Pujan, dark clouds gathered over the city, and heavy rainfall lashed neighbourhoods such as Dadar, Bandra, Lalbaug, Powai, Byculla, and Kurla.
The downpour caught residents off guard, forcing street vendors and Diwali shoppers to scramble for cover. Many stalls selling diyas, sweets, and festive decorations were left drenched, creating chaos on busy market streets.
While Mumbai had been reeling under humid and sultry weather since morning, the sudden showers brought a brief spell of relief, even as they disrupted the festive rush.
Strong Winds and Lightning Strike Navi Mumbai, Causing Traffic Snarls
Neighbouring Navi Mumbai too faced a similar situation, with lightning, strong winds, and heavy rainfall reported across several localities.
According to civic officials, Nerul, Belapur, Vashi, Seawoods, Sanpada, and Ghansoli were among the areas that received heavy rain, leading to waterlogging on key roads and traffic slowdowns during peak evening hours.Commuters reported difficulty navigating through puddle-filled stretches, while public transport faced temporary delays in certain pockets. However, no major accidents or injuries were reported till late evening.
BMC and Disaster Management Teams on High Alert
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that its disaster management units have been placed on high alert as a precautionary measure.
Officials have been instructed to monitor low-lying areas prone to flooding and ensure that stormwater drains remain unclogged in case of extended rainfall through the night.
Authorities have also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution while commuting in the rain, especially in regions with ongoing metro and road construction works.
IMD Issues Short-Term Forecast for More Rain in Mumbai and Surrounding Regions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a short-term weather bulletin on Tuesday, predicting light to moderate rainfall for Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and adjoining regions over the next few hours.
Meteorologists attribute the unseasonal showers to localised weather disturbances and increased moisture from the Arabian Sea, typical during post-monsoon transitions.
Although the rainfall is expected to subside by Wednesday morning, occasional drizzles and cloudy skies could persist in some areas.
How the Rain Affected Diwali Celebrations Across the City
The timing of the downpour couldn’t have been more inconvenient for residents. With Laxmi Pujan rituals scheduled in the evening, many Mumbaikars found themselves performing prayers indoors instead of on open terraces and balconies, as is tradition.
Shopkeepers at Zaveri Bazaar, Crawford Market, and Dadar complained of reduced evening footfall, while others noted power fluctuations and temporary flooding near market zones.
Social media was soon flooded with videos showing strong winds blowing away decorative items and rain-soaked streets lined with half-burnt diyas, a rare Diwali scene for the city that usually celebrates the festival under clear skies.
Mumbai Weather at a Glance
- Rain intensity: Moderate to heavy in isolated parts
- Areas affected: Dadar, Bandra, Lalbaug, Powai, Kurla, Navi Mumbai (Nerul, Belapur, Vashi, Seawoods, Sanpada, Ghansoli)
- Impact: Traffic delays, waterlogging, shopping disruption
- Relief: Drop in humidity levels post-rain
- Forecast: Light to moderate showers likely till early Wednesday
What’s Next for Mumbai’s Weather?
With Diwali festivities continuing through the week, IMD has advised citizens to stay updated on local weather alerts. While no widespread disruption is expected, short bursts of rain could return intermittently across Mumbai and Thane.
For now, Mumbaikars can only hope that the unseasonal spell of rain doesn’t wash away the sparkle of Diwali but adds a refreshing twist to the festival of lights.
