Mumbai, July 4 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai and the neighbouring districts of Thane, Palghar and Raigad, forecasting intense spells of rain at isolated places over the next three hours and urging residents to take precautions.

According to the IMD, the city and suburbs are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with the possibility of extremely heavy rain at isolated locations during the day.

The weather department has also warned of occasional gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph.

The IMD recorded 109.6 mm of rain at Santacruz Observatory and 90.2 mm at Colaba during the 24-hour period ending at 8 am. The cumulative seasonal rainfall up to July 3 has now r...