IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rain; orange alert for Mumbai and Thane, red alert for Palghar on June 3

MUMBAI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mumbai and Thane for June 3 and a red alert for Palghar.
An orange alert indicates heavy to very heavy rain likely at a few places while a red alert denotes extremely heavy rain warning likely at isolated places which has been issued for the same date (June 3). On Monday meanwhile rain/thunder showers can be expected said IMD. The official date for onset of monsoons over Mumbai from this year onwards is June 11.
The rain warnings coupled with high speed winds have been issued owing to a low pressure area over southeast and adjoining east central Arabian sea which is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours.
IMD in a pre-cyclone watch warning for south Gujarat-north Maharashtra coasts stated that, "The low pressure area over south east and adjoining east central Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area persists. It is very likely to concentrate into a depression over east central and adjoining southeast Arabian sea during next 24 hours and likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm over east central Arabian sea during the subsequent 24 hours."
Further it also said that it is very likely to move nearly northwards initially till June 2 morning and then re-curve north-northeastwards and reach near north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts around June 3 morning.
Meanwhile Mahesh Palawat, vice president meteorology and climate change from private weather forecasting agency Skymet in a tweet said, "The #LPA (low pressure area) in Arabian Sea will intensify into a #Depression and subsequently in #Cyclone #Nisarga. Coastal #Karnataka, #Maharashtra and #be in line of fire. Heavy rains, Rough Sea conditions are possible between June 1 and 4."