The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai has issued a nowcast warning for moderate rain spells in several districts of Maharashtra. According to the IMD bulletin issued at 10:00 PM IST on July 23, 2024, isolated places in Palghar, Raigad, Thane, Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Nasik, Pune, Nanded, Hingoli, Parbhani, Jalna, Kolhapur, and Beed districts can expect moderate rainfall over the next 3-4 hours.
Residents in these areas are advised to be aware of the weather conditions and take necessary precautions.
In Mumbai, heavy rains have led to a significant increase in the water levels of the city's seven lakes, which supply drinking water. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported a nearly 6% rise in water stock over the past 24 hours, with the total water stock reaching 7,68,847 million litres or 53.12% of capacity as of 6 a.m. on July 23. This marks the highest single-day increase in water stock this season. For comparison, the water level was 50.18% on the same day last year and 87.45% in 2022.
The seven reservoirs serving Mumbai—Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar, and Tulsi—are located in Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik districts. Their total capacity is 14.47 lakh million litres. According to the latest data, water levels in Tansa have risen to 91.55%, Modak Sagar is at 75.46%, Middle Vaitarna is at 47.03%, and Vihar Lake holds 88.40%. Upper Vaitarna currently has 18.43% of its capacity filled.
Tulsi Lake, which started overflowing on July 20 due to heavy rains in its catchment area, is now full. The BMC noted that the lake began overflowing at 8:30 a.m. on July 20. The increased water levels are a welcome development for Mumbai residents, who have been facing a 10% water cut.