Mumbai has unexpectedly gotten hit by a thunderstorm and dust storm at around 3pm on 13 May. The weather changed drastically, catching the residents by surprise. Thane and Satara also witnessed a similar change in weather. Due to bad visibility, Mumbai airport runway also had to be shut down.
About the weather, the Indian Meteorological Department stated that thunderstorms and lightning along with light to moderate spells of rain with high speed winds reaching 40-50 kmph are very likely to occur at isolated places in Mumbai during the next 3-4 hours. It also advised caution while going outside.
A yellow alert has also been issued for the districts of Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Solapur, Latur, Beed, Nagpur, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) of Mumbai. The weather service has stated that thunderstorms with lightning and gusty gusts (30–40 kmph) are expected to occur in the areas.
The weather department has also warned that on Tuesday, isolated parts of Mumbai are likely to experience hot and humid weather conditions.
The sudden weather change and dust storm brought the city to a standstill with high speed winds disrupting transport across the city. People were caught unaware and had to seek shelter creating a disruption. Those indoors have been advised to stay indoors with a few offices asking their employees to leave early due to chances of the weather getting worse.
Mumbaikars have been sharing clips and images online along with memes about the situation.
Till the weather conditions improve and the visibility on the roads increase, it is advisable to stay indoors and seek shelter in place. The conditions are predicted to improve in a few hours according to the IMD.
If you have to step out, take precautions and carry umbrellas and raincoats for protection.
-Namit Pandey