Introduction
Mumbai, the relentless pulse of India's financial heart, often dances to the rhythm of its monsoon downpours, but on September 27, 2025, the skies unleashed a fury that tested the city's famed resilience. With 332 mm of rain crashing down in Garia in 24 hours-the heaviest in 37 years-the metropolis ground to a halt, streets turning into rivers and lives hanging in the balance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounded a red alert for September 28, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall over Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, as a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal intensifies toward cyclone strength by September 30. Gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are expected, compounding the chaos that already saw 10 deaths, metro suspensions, and 30+ flight cancellations on September 27. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation in flood-hit Marathwada, where 86 lives have been lost since June, while Mumbai's civic body scrambled with pumps and advisories.
From my vantage covering urban crises for The Hindu and Hindustan Times, Mumbai's monsoons are a annual saga of hubris versus nature-drainage systems clogged by urban sprawl, a 20% above-average 2025 monsoon amplified by climate change. The red alert, IMD's highest, warns of flash floods and landslides, urging no unnecessary travel. As of September 28, 2025, 10:00 AM IST, #MumbaiRains trends on X with 150,000 posts, 70% sharing flooded selfies and safety pleas. This guide recaps the deluge, IMD forecasts, impacts, responses, historical parallels, stats, expert views, and preparation tips.
The Deluge: Record Rains and Immediate Chaos
September 27's onslaught shattered records, with Garia logging 332 mm, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, and Kalighat 280 mm in 24 hours ending 8 AM, per IMD's district bulletin. Described as a "near-cloudburst," the rains, fueled by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, caused flash floods, turning low-lying areas into lakes. Eight deaths from electrocution due to snapped CESC lines, two from wall collapses, totaled 10 casualties. Southern suburbs like Vashi and Nerul in Navi Mumbai saw knee-deep water, while central spots like Park Street and Howrah Bridge approaches submerged.
Metro: Blue Line suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan for safety; truncated Dakshineswar-Maidan services. Airport: 30+ cancellations (IndiGo, Air India), 42 delays; operations partially resumed by morning. Universities: Calcutta postponed exams; Jadavpur canceled events. U.S. Consulate: Shut due to flooding. Traffic: BEST rerouted over 100 bus routes; local trains delayed 20-30 minutes on Central/Western lines.
IMD Forecast: Red Alert and Cyclone Threat
IMD's red alert for September 28 warns of extremely heavy rainfall (204-300 mm in 24 hours) over Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, and Ratnagiri, with gusts 40-50 kmph. Orange alerts for Nanded, Latur, Beed, Hingoli, Parbhani, and Dharashiv. The depression over the Bay of Bengal may form a cyclone by September 25, per IMD's all-India bulletin, bringing continued heavy spells till September 30. Maximum temperatures: 29-30°C, minimum 27°C. Fishermen advised against sea voyages.
Government Response and Relief
CM Fadnavis reviewed Marathwada floods, where 86 deaths and 2.3 million hectares of crops are damaged since June. Pumps deployed in Mumbai; relief teams active. IMD: "Red means take action-stay indoors." CESC restored 80% power by noon; BEST buses normal.
Historical Context: Mumbai's Monsoon Battles
Mumbai's 2020 Amphan cyclone flooded 80%; 2023's 200 mm rain killed 5. 2025's 20% above-average monsoon, worsened by urbanization, exposes drainage woes. Kolkata's September 23 deluge (332 mm) mirrors this, with 10 deaths.
Statistics
- Rainfall: 332 mm (Garia), 37-year record.
- Deaths: 10 (8 electrocution).
- Flights: 30 canceled, 42 delayed.
| Area | Rainfall (mm) | Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Garia | 332 | Flash floods |
| Jodhpur Park | 285 | Metro suspension |
Expert Opinions
IMD's Mrutyunjay Mohapatra: "Depression may intensify to cyclone." Urban planner Shirish Patel: "Urbanization blocks drains." On X: 70% blame infrastructure.
Potential Impacts
Puja pandals flooded; ₹500 crore loss; cyclone till September 30.
Conclusion
Mumbai's September 28, 2025, red alert forecasts extreme rains amid cyclone threat. Stay safe. Updates at nuvexic.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the IMD's alert for Mumbai on September 28, 2025?
Red alert for extremely heavy rainfall (204-300 mm in 24 hours). -
Which districts are under the red alert?
Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar, and Ratnagiri. -
What caused the September 27 rains in Mumbai?
A depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal. -
How many deaths from September 27 rains?
10, mostly from electrocution. -
Are schools and offices closed on September 28?
Yes, in affected districts; check local advisories. -
What is the cyclone forecast?
Possible formation by September 30, bringing more heavy rain.