IMD Red Alert: Next 48 Hours Critical for Pune, Mumbai; Heavy Rain Warning Issued
Pune, 6th July 2026: The next 48 hours will be crucial for several parts of Maharashtra, particularly the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Konkan coast, and the ghat areas of Pune, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall.
The warning comes after widespread heavy rain since the beginning of July, following a prolonged dry spell in June. Heavy downpours have triggered landslides in several parts of the state, while schools in many districts have remained closed as a precaution.
Speaking about the weather situation, IMD weather forecasting head Dr. S. D. Sanap said that the Konkan coastline and the Western Ghats have recorded heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the past 24 to 48 hours, and similar conditions are expected to continue over the next two days.
He said significant cloud formation persists over the ghat regions of Mumbai and Pune, while a low-pressure system that developed over the Bay of Bengal has contributed to the ongoing spell of widespread rainfall across Maharashtra.
According to Dr. Sanap, the IMD has issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and the ghat areas of Pune for the coming days. The Red Alert will continue for the ghat regions on Tuesday as well, while Yellow Alerts have been issued for several other parts of the state.
“The next 48 hours are extremely important for Mumbai, Pune, and the surrounding ghat regions. People should remain alert and closely follow official advisories,” he said.
Dr. Sanap also noted that Maharashtra had recorded a rainfall deficit of nearly 47 percent during June. However, persistent heavy rainfall over the past two to three days has significantly improved the situation, reducing the deficit to around 15 percent.
He appealed to citizens to avoid travelling to ghat sections and other areas where Red or Yellow Alerts have been issued unless absolutely necessary, citing the risk of landslides, flooding, and other rain-related incidents.
Authorities have urged residents to stay updated with official weather forecasts and follow instructions issued by the local administration as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours.
