Pune weather today: Schools closed across district as IMD issues red alert for extremely heavy rainfall; more showers likely in coming days

Heavy monsoon rain continued to lash parts of Maharashtra on Monday, prompting authorities in Pune to declare a holiday for all schools and anganwadis after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the district.

The decision comes as Maharashtra continues to witness another heavy spell of intense rainfall, with Pune, Mumbai, and several adjoining regions facing the risk of waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and localized flooding. The IMD has warned of more rainfall in the coming days in Pune.

ALSO READ: Weather Today and Tomorrow (July 6-7)

Pune schools closed today after IMD red alert

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi announced a holiday for all schools in both urban and rural parts of the district on Monday following the IMD's warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and the possibility of extremely heavy rain at isolated locations, reports The Times of India. According to the official order, all anganwadis, primary schools, secondary schools, and higher secondary schools across all mediums will remain closed for the day.

ALSO READ: Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence after Satluj is removed from ZEE5

The administration said the decision was taken keeping student safety as the top priority amid worsening weather conditions.

What the official order says

The district administration stated that the holiday has been declared "considering the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall and in the interest of public safety."

While students have been granted a holiday, the order clarified that all headmasters, teachers, and non-teaching staff must report to work during regular office hours.

Officials have also been instructed to remain available for any disaster management-related duties as directed by the local administration.

Citizens advised to avoid unnecessary travel

Along with the school closure announcement, the Pune district administration urged residents to remain cautious.

Authorities appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and stay away from rivers, streams, waterfalls, and locations experiencing strong water currents.

People have also been advised to closely follow weather updates and safety advisories issued by the IMD and local administration.

Lonavala schools also remain closed

The weather alert has also impacted nearby Lonavala. The Lonavala Municipal Council (LMC) has also announced a holiday for all anganwadis and schools on Monday after forecasts indicated continued heavy rainfall in the hill station region.

The order issued by LMC Chief Executive Officer Ashok Sabale cited the IMD's prediction of heavy rain at several places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations between July 5 and July 7.

Several private schools in the city also informed parents about the closure through text messages.

PMC issues advisory amid heavy rainfall

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has urged residents to exercise caution amid the heavy rainfall forecast. Citizens have been advised to step out only when absolutely necessary, avoid visiting rivers, streams, creeks and other potentially dangerous locations, and strictly follow advisories issued by the local administration and disaster management authorities.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi has also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, prioritize their safety and cooperate with authorities by adhering to all instructions issued by the administration.

Mumbai rains continue to disrupt normal life

While Pune remains on high alert, Mumbai has also been experiencing relentless monsoon showers.

Heavy rainfall across parts of the city led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, slower traffic movement, and delays in local transport services. Civic agencies remained on alert as rain bands continued moving across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Residents in vulnerable areas were advised to remain cautious, particularly during high-tide periods when drainage systems often come under additional pressure.

Traffic on both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the old Mumbai-Pune National Highway in both directions were shut in the early hours of Monday after a landslide and incessant heavy rain severely disrupted vehicular movement in the ghat section.

IMD forecasts active monsoon conditions across Maharashtra

The IMD has indicated that active monsoon conditions are likely to persist over large parts of Maharashtra.

Several districts in the Konkan region, ghat areas, and parts of western Maharashtra are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days. Isolated locations may also witness extremely heavy rain.

Weather experts have warned that intense rainfall could trigger localized flooding, landslides in hilly regions, and disruptions to road and rail traffic.

Mumbai civic agencies on alert amid flood concerns

Authorities in Mumbai have intensified monitoring efforts as continuous rainfall raises concerns about flooding in vulnerable pockets of the city.

Emergency response teams, disaster management units, and civic officials have been placed on standby to tackle any rain-related incidents. Residents have been advised to avoid venturing into flooded areas and follow official advisories.