Light rain expected during Ganesh festival: IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts light, sporadic rainfall, with a reduced likelihood of heavy rainfall during the Ganesh festival. This change is attributed to a low-pressure system that previously developed over the Konkan belt in Maharashtra, which has now moved away.
Last week, the IMD had issued a forecast indicating the potential development of a low-pressure system over Mumbai between September 14 and 15, possibly leading to heavy rain in the subsequent week. Additionally, the IMD had issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and neighboring districts, including Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, in its five-day forecast.
However, the IMD has since downgraded the yellow alert for Mumbai, stating that heavy rain is more likely in Raigad, Thane, and Palghar over the next 24 hours. Sushma Nair, a scientist from IMD Mumbai, explained the decision, saying, “Initially, we had given a yellow alert since there was a possibility of rains owing to a low-pressure system. However, the pressure has started receding, and we downgraded the warning as the chance of very heavy rains appears slim now. Mumbai may record light rain in sporadic spells.” According to IMD data, both the Santacruz and Colaba weather stations recorded 2mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Despite the rainfall forecasts, the water stock in all seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai remains healthy, with levels at 97 percent capacity. Some lakes, such as Tulsi and Vehar, are at full capacity, while others, like Tansa, Bhatsa, Middle Vaitarna, and Modak Sagar, maintain high water levels. Upper Vaitarna’s water stock stands at 91 percent.