New Delhi | May 26, 2025: The southwest monsoon has made a dramatic early arrival this year, lashing major parts of western and southern India with torrential rains, causing severe flooding and triggering red alerts in Mumbai, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and take precautions as the extreme weather continues.
Mumbai Under Red Alert After Heavy Overnight Rainfall
Mumbai woke up to a flooded Monday morning, with intense overnight rainfall leading to waterlogging in multiple areas, severe traffic disruptions, and delayed suburban trains and flights. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 24-hour red alert for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Ratnagiri.
* Nariman Point received 40 mm rain in just one hour between 6–7 am.
* Grant Road saw 36 mm, while Colaba recorded 31 mm, and Byculla 21 mm.
* Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport experienced delays in several flight schedules.
A viral video on social media showed rainwater gushing into the newly-inaugurated underground Metro station in Worli, highlighting the monsoon’s fury and infrastructure gaps.
Monsoon Mayhem: Red Alert Issued for Mumbai, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala Amid Heavy Rainfall and Flood Threat
Thunderstorm Alert and High Wind Warnings
The IMD has warned of intense thunderstorms with lightning and winds between 50–60 kmph in and around Mumbai. Citizens have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors.
Red Alert for Coastal Karnataka
Coastal Karnataka is reeling under relentless rainfall, affecting daily life and damaging roads and property. A five-day red alert has been issued for several districts, with disaster response teams deployed across the region.
Tamil Nadu Issues Red Alert for Nilgiris and Coimbatore Hills
The Nilgiris and Coimbatore’s hilly regions are under red alert till May 28. The Regional Meteorological Centre has warned of potential landslides and flash floods in the Western Ghats, with residents advised to avoid travel in vulnerable areas.
Kerala Flooded; Red Alert in 11 Districts
In Kerala, the monsoon’s impact has been devastating.
* A man was killed in Kozhikode when a tree fell on his scooter.
* A moving train in Thrissur was struck by a fallen tree.
* Several low-lying areas and farmlands have been inundated.
Red alerts have been issued for Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Orange alerts are in effect for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha.
Climate Uncertainty Continues
Experts warn that climate change may be altering India’s monsoon patterns, but the extent and nature of this shift remain uncertain. The monsoon provides 80% of South Asia’s annual rainfall, and disruptions could significantly affect agriculture, water resources, and urban infrastructure.