Mumbai Weather Update: IMD Issues Yellow Alert; Rainfall Activities Between May 4-7

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for today, May 4, in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, predicting light to moderate rain along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30 to 40 kmph). It may continue till Sunday, May 7.

Similar alerts have been issued for all major districts in the state including Akola, Nanded, Gadchiroli, and Nagpur from tomorrow, May 5. The IMD, however, said that by Sunday, May 7, the possibility of rains may reduce in most of the states with only Amravati, Gadchiroli, Yavatmal, Chandrapur and Wardha having the possibility of experiencing light and moderate rains.

The weather department has predicted that the change in weather is due to a combination of dry and wet winds. According to Sushma Nair, an IMD scientist, moisture intrusion in the air is likely to result in rain starting early on Thursday, Indian Express reported.

In April, there was significant rain activity, with the Santacruz observatory recording 15 mm of rain on April 13, breaking all previous records for the month. This rain activity occurred because westerly winds were bringing in moisture, and the upper-level winds were conducive to cloud formation.

Mumbai's regional meteorological centre (RMC) recorded a maximum temperature of 32.7 and 33.2 degrees Celsius at Santacruz and Colaba observatory on Wednesday, May 3. Whereas the minimum temperature was recorded at 25.4 and 26 degrees Celsius respectively.

As per reports, on Thursday, May 4, Mumbai saw 26.6 degrees Celsius and an 82 per cent humidity level.

According to the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) fell under the "satisfactory" category, with a reading of 58. However, AQI values for different neighbourhoods in Mumbai varied, with Colaba reporting 64, Andheri at 46, Malad at 58, BKC at 133, and Worli at 44.

The AQI has an impact on health. People with respiratory conditions have been advised by SAFAR to take breaks and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Wearing a mask when going outside is also recommended as dust and other particulates may worsen the AQI.