MUMBAI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a ‘red’ alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. The weather office also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions were expected to remain severe through the day.The MeT department upgraded the warning from ‘orange’ to ‘red’ in the morning after observing rapidly changing weather conditions. It also forecast gusty winds reaching up to 70–80 kmph across the region.Neighbouring Palghar district has been placed under an ‘orange’ alert, with predictions of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places along with strong winds.Flooding risk, landslides and structural damage warning issuedThe IMD warned that intense rainfall may inundate low-lying and urban areas, trigger flash floods and riverine flooding, and cause waterlogging on roads and bridges.It further cautioned that weak trees could be uprooted, while old or poorly maintained structures may face damage. Landslides, mudslides and rockfalls were also flagged as possible risks in vulnerable pockets due to continuous rainfall.WFH advisory, half-day for government officesThe State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) advised private offices in Mumbai to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible. It also announced a half-day for non-essential and semi-government offices after noon.Residents were urged to remain indoors unless travel was essential and to strictly follow official advisories as heavy rainfall continued to disrupt normal life across the city and surrounding areas.Akasa Air reports potential flight delays due to heavy rain in Mumbai, Pune, Goa;Heavy rainfall across Mumbai, Pune, and Goa has disrupted air travel, with Akasa Air warning that flights across its network may face delays. The airline acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers’ travel plans and requested patience, noting that while the situation is beyond its control, its teams remain ready to assist travellers.In a post on X, Akasa Air urged passengers to check their flight status on the airline’s official website.“Due to heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Pune and Goa, some flights across our network may be delayed. We realise that this may inconvenience your travel plans and seek your patience and understanding. While this situation is completely beyond our control, please rest assured that our teams are always ready to assist you. Please check the flight status http://bit.ly/qpfltsts before commencing your travel to the airport,” he said.IndiGo posts, “Travel Advisory Bad weather over Mumbai may impact flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly. We request that you stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Please be assured that our teams are here to assist you at every step and provide full support. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”Dabbawalas suspend services amid transport disruptionMumbai’s iconic dabbawalas suspended their services for the day due to heavy rainfall and disruption in train operations.The Mumbai Dabbawalas Association said food delivery and pickup operations were halted as Western Railway services were severely affected, making deliveries unfeasible.Train services hit as landslides disrupt Mumbai–Pune routeIntermittent heavy rain and gusty winds disrupted rail and road connectivity, with several train services on the Mumbai–Pune route suspended after landslides in the Karjat–Lonavala Bhor Ghat section.Suburban services on the Karjat–Khopoli section were also suspended after heavy rain washed away ballast between Lowjee and Dolavli stations. Restoration work is underway, railway officials said.Western Railway suburban services also ran behind schedule due to waterlogging between Vasai Road and Virar stations in Palghar district, affecting daily commuters.Authorities urge caution and safety measuresThe IMD advised commuters to check traffic updates before travelling and avoid sheltering under trees or weak structures during thunderstorms.It also recommended farmers to harvest mature crops early, store produce safely, and avoid irrigation or chemical spraying during the heavy rainfall period.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urged residents to avoid non-essential movement, stay away from waterlogged areas, trees, hoardings and dilapidated structures, and not to park vehicles under trees.The civic body said nearly 15,000 personnel have been deployed across Mumbai for emergency response and monitoring, while its helpline 1916 remains active for assistance.Important safety advisory issued by BMC for construction sites.In view of prevailing weather conditions with wind speed of 70 to 80 kmph all Developers, Architect Licensed Surveyors (LS), Contractors, Project Managers & Site Engineers are hereby strictly directed to follow following instructions:1) Scaffolding, loose materials, crane items, tin sheets at compound walls, formwork and all temporary structures shall be thoroughly checked and ensured to be in stable, secure condition.Loose materials from upper floors, terraces and elevated platforms shall be removed or firmly fastened.2) There shall be no haphazard activity at any site. All work shall be planned, supervised and executed in a safe, systematic manner.Excavated construction sites to be properly safeguarded and strictly monitored.3) Tower cranes, material hoists, safety nets and lifting equipment shall be inspected for stability. Lifting operations and work at heights shall be suspended where weather poses risk. Exclusion zones shall be maintained below active work areas.4) All workers shall use prescribed PPE and fall protection. An immediate site-wide safety inspection shall be conducted and all unsafe conditions rectified without delay.5) Weather conditions shall be continuously monitored and appropriate preventive measures taken until normal conditions return.All concerned are strictly directed to treat this advisory with utmost urgency. Safety compliance is mandatory.The safety of workers, neighbouring residents and the general public is of paramount importance. All developers are requested to treat this advisory with utmost seriousness and ensure strict compliance with all applicable safety regulations and best construction practices.