The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Palghar, Pune and Satara districts for Sunday. An orange alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Nashik districts as well. “The warnings come as the southwest monsoon continues to influence the region, bringing substantial rainfall across Maharashtra. We have advised the authorities to stay alert. Citizens are advised to follow safety guidelines and be prepared for possible waterlogging,” said an IMD official.

Private meteorologists forecast that the weekend will witness a downpour of over 100mm, while some isolated places might also witness rainfall above 150mm. High tides crossing the four-metre mark this week which might further exacerbate waterlogging issues, warned experts. Meanwhile, the water level at the seven lakes that supply the city has risen by a whopping 75 per cent in the past month alone.