Mumbai will likely need to prepare for a rain-soaked weekend as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of a developing weather system in the Arabian Sea that could escalate into a cyclone.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for the city, signaling the likelihood of heavy rainfall and strong winds over the coming days. This weather shift marks an early start to intense pre-monsoon activity, catching many residents and officials off guard.According to the IMD, the sudden uptick in rainfall and thunderstorms in this region is due to a mix of high moisture levels, increasing heat, wind convergence, and a low-pressure area forming over the east-central Arabian Sea.

It’s expected that this system will intensify, and potentially turn into a depression or a cyclone. A persistent cyclonic circulation near the North Karnataka-Goa coast has also been noted, which has further contributed to unstable weather across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).Weather experts, including meteorologist Shubhangi Bhute and enthusiast Athreya Shetty, explain that a rare western disturbance recently disrupted the typical dry summer conditions in the region.

This allowed more moisture from the Arabian Sea to move inland, fueling the rain spells seen across the city and suburbs.Read more: 10 reasons to visit in Kaziranga National ParkIn anticipation of worsening conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued precautionary advisories. Those living on hill slopes in areas like Vikhroli and Ghatkopar have been urged to evacuate from there and shift to safer locations. Localities such as Varsha Nagar, Ram Nagar, and Sanjay Gandhi Nagar are particularly vulnerable to landslides, structural collapses, and flooding due to water runoff from higher elevations.

The BMC has made it clear that it will not be responsible for any damage or loss in these high-risk zones if residents fail to relocate.

Additionally, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has identified 96 cessed buildings in South and Central Mumbai, and marked them as “extremely dangerous,” urging immediate evacuation ahead of the monsoon. Reports add that these aging structures pose a serious risk of collapse under heavy rains.Read more: 10 countries with most reported car accidents: Is India on the list?With the IMD's orange alert in place, it’s advisable that residents regularly monitor weather updates, follow civic guidelines, and take all necessary precautions for their safety. Authorities stress that public cooperation will be critical to minimising the impact of the potential cyclone and ensuring community safety in the days ahead.