In a recent turn of events, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai experienced a temporary suspension of flight operations due to adverse weather conditions. The halt, spanning approximately 66 minutes, was enforced as a precautionary measure in response to low visibility and gusty winds caused by inclement weather and dust storms. The suspension, which commenced after heavy rain persisted until 17:03 local time when operations resumed. During this time, the airport witnessed 15 diversions.Heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms and massive dust storms in isolated pockets, lashed Mumbai Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a nowcast warning for the district. Central railway services were largely affected.
“Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and light to moderate spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph very likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Mumbai during next 3-4 hours. Take precautions while moving out," the India Meteorological Department said.Metro services were suspended between Aarey and Andheri East metro stations after a banner landed on the overheard wire due to strong winds, a spokesperson from Metro Rail said. Meanwhile, suburban services on Central Railway were affected after an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund stations bent due to strong winds.
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The Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) of Mumbai has also issued a yellow alert for Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Solapur, Latur, Beed, Nagpur, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. The regions are likely to receive thunderstorm accompanied with lightning & gusty winds (30-40kmph) at isolated places, the weather department has said.Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for regions including Pune, Satara, Sangli, Nashik, Kolhapur, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, Jalna and Parbhani districts.