New Delhi: Extremely heavy rainfall is predicted in Mumbai and its adjoining areas on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red rain alert, which has prompted many schools and colleges to remain shut throughout the day.

The met department on Wednesday forecast "extremely heavy rainfall" on Thursday in Mumbai and adjoining Raigad district.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red rain alert, indicating "extremely heavy rainfall", for Mumbai and Raigad districts, said an IMD official.

This indicates a precipitation of more than 204 mm in 24 hours starting Thursday morning, he said.

The IMD Mumbai has issued a warning of thunderstorm accompanied with intense rainfall and strong wind speed reaching 40 kmph in Raigad, Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Satara and Sangli districts during the next few hours.

However, Mumbai would receive heavy rainfall on Friday, but Raigad will continue to receive extremely heavy showers that day also, the official said.

Taking to Twitter, state Minister of School Education Ashish Shelar said, "In view of heavy rainfall forecasts. As a precautionary measure, the holiday is declared for all schools and junior colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Konkan region for today 19 September 2019."

He further said that after taking cognisance of local conditions, the district collectors in other parts of Maharashtra will decide whether schools will remain closed or not tomorrow.

(Inputs from agencies)