IMD Issues Red Alert For Pune Ghat Areas; Heavy Rain Likely As Strong Arabian Sea Winds Intensify

Pune, July 22, 2026: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for the ghat regions of Pune, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours as strong monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea continue to intensify.

While Pune’s ghat sections are expected to receive intense rainfall, the city is likely to witness light to moderate showers, mainly during the afternoon, along with a slight drop in temperatures over the next two days.

Pune Ghat Areas On High Alert

According to the IMD, the ghat regions are likely to experience prolonged spells of heavy rain, with isolated locations expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall. Residents and travellers have been advised to exercise caution, especially in hilly areas prone to landslides and waterlogging.

On Tuesday, Pune city witnessed intermittent drizzle throughout the day, with light rainfall reported at isolated locations.

Rain Eases In Mumbai, Strong Winds To Continue

Mumbai is expected to see a reduction in rainfall intensity on Wednesday, although strong winds are likely to persist.

Despite an Orange Alert on Tuesday, the city received only light rainfall. Between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, the IMD recorded 3.6 mm of rainfall at Colaba and 6.4 mm at Santacruz, while a few pockets received between 10 mm and 20 mm of rain.

Wind speeds in Mumbai are expected to remain between 50 and 60 kmph, with the possibility of isolated heavy showers.

Orange Alert for Konkan Districts

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Palghar, Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places. Gusty winds are also likely to accompany the rain in these districts.

Why Is Rainfall Intensifying?

Meteorologists said an upper-air cyclonic circulation has formed over the west-central Bay of Bengal and north coastal Andhra Pradesh. The weather system has strengthened moisture-laden winds blowing from the Arabian Sea towards Maharashtra, leading to increased rainfall activity across western parts of the state.

Retired IMD scientist Manikrao Khule said the current weather pattern is likely to persist until Ashadhi Ekadashi, after which rainfall intensity is expected to gradually reduce.

Rain May Ease After July 26

Khule said parts of Central Maharashtra and Marathwada could experience a break in rainfall between July 26 and July 31.

He explained that the upper-air low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to move towards eastern Uttar Pradesh, which may weaken the strong monsoon winds currently hitting Maharashtra’s west coast. As a result, rainfall is likely to decrease after Ashadhi Ekadashi, particularly across Central Maharashtra and Marathwada.