Mumbai weather update: Light rain, IMD storm alert, pollution trend raises concern

Light rain was reported in parts of Mumbai on Thursday evening, even as the India Meteorological Department warned of an active weather pattern across several regions due to western disturbances, according to PTI.

Some suburban pockets witnessed brief drizzle, although IMD weather stations did not record measurable rainfall. IMD scientist Sushma Nair said the light precipitation could be linked to a western disturbance.

The IMD has issued alerts for multiple districts in Maharashtra, including a yellow alert for thunderstorms in Thane and Raigad. The city saw partly cloudy skies through the evening.


According to the IMD, two active western disturbances are set to influence northwest India, with peak activity expected around April 3–4 and again near April 7. Under their impact, light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely across parts of north and northwest India between April 3 and 6, with another spell expected from April 7 onwards.

Hailstorms are likely in several northern states on April 3 and 4, while isolated heavy rainfall may occur in the Kashmir Valley during the same period.

The IMD has also forecast light rain or drizzle with thunderstorms and gusty winds in Delhi between April 3 and 5, with wind speeds reaching 20–40 kmph. Central India is expected to see scattered rainfall and lightning until April 6, with possible hailstorms in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh until April 4.

Parts of western India, including Gujarat and regions of Maharashtra, may also experience thunderstorms and gusty winds between April 2 and 5. Daytime temperatures across northwest India are expected to remain near or below normal due to the prevailing weather systems.

Mumbai air quality trends raise concern

Mumbai’s air pollution, though less severe than Delhi’s, is becoming more complex, with particulate pollution gradually rising, especially during winter and post-monsoon months, according to a Climate Trends report cited by Mumbai Mirror.

The study, which analysed 2024–2025 data across six major cities, found that weather conditions such as low wind speeds, high humidity and stable atmospheric layers can trap pollutants and increase PM2.5 levels by up to 40%.

In Mumbai, reduced wind speeds during certain periods limit the natural dispersion of pollutants, leading to their accumulation near the ground despite the city’s coastal location. Key sources include traffic emissions, construction dust and industrial activity.

A previous study by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board found that road dust contributes nearly 60% of PM10 pollution in the city. Experts have suggested stricter dust-control measures, better construction practices and improved traffic management to curb rising pollution levels.