New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- Heavy rains lashed Mumbai and its neighbouring regions, including Thane and Raigad, ahead of Diwali on Thursday, October 26, bringing much-needed relief from the October heat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "yellow" alert for thunderstorms over several regions for today and tomorrow in its forecast.

"Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30/40kmph) at isolated places," the weather agency said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from MINT....