The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a red alert for Mumbai and its neighbouring districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in isolated places. The advisory, issued at 12:30 pm, covers Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and adjoining areas as intense monsoon showers continue to lash the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The red alert comes amid intense spells of rain since the early hours of Saturday, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion and disruptions in several parts of Mumbai and its suburbs. Civic authorities have urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and avoid venturing into low-lying and flood-prone areas.