IMD: Mumbai can expect break from rain this weekend, but red alert on in Pune, Satara

MUMBAI: This weekend, Mumbai, Thane and Palghar can expect a break from the heavy rain as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has withdrawn its 'orange alert' and forecast light to moderate rain. But the 'red alert' (very heavy rainfall, take action) for other parts in the state, including Pune, Satara and Sangli, is still in place for Thursday, said weathermen.
Though the IMD had issued an 'orange alert'-heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places-for Thursday, Mumbai remained comparatively dry-the Santacruz observatory recorded 0.4mm rainfall in the 12-hour period ending 8.30pm. The total rainfall recorded till Thursday by IMD Colaba observatory was 1,791.2mm-392.7mm above normal -and by IMD Santacruz observatory, 2,454.3mm-943.6mm above normal. The rainfall recorded this month so far has been 474.4mm, which is almost 81% of the required August rain. The average rainfall required for the month of August is 585.2mm.
On Thursday, the total water stock in the seven lakes that cater to Mumbai's drinking water needs stood at 13.03 lakh million litres or 90.07% of the required water stocks. The lakes need over 14 lakh million litres of water till the end of monsoon.
Weathermen said reduction in rain activity is expected in the coming days as the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal off north Odisha and West Bengal coast has weakened and now lies over north-east Chhattisgarh and nearby areas. "In view of its subsequent west-north westward movement, there is a likelihood of enhancement of rainfall over parts of Konkan region, but central Maharashtra, which includes Mumbai, will see a reduction in rainfall in the next two days," said a weather official, requesting anonymity.
IMD's warning for fisherman is still in place with strong winds with speed reaching 45-55kmph gusting to 65kmph likely to prevail along and off Maharashtra-Goa coast till August 11.