The city may well see the heaviest rainfall it has experienced this year on Wednesday, thanks to a cyclone developing 700 km south of the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that Tuesday’s drizzle could give way to a downpour and squally winds of up to 75 km an hour, which could uproot trees, in the next 48 hours. “Wednesday afternoon is critical,” said R. V. Sharma, deputy director, IMD (western region).

The cyclone is expected to hit north Maharashtra and move towards Gujarat. Mumbai last saw a cyclone in 1982.

The IMD issued warnings to the BMC and the Maharashtra and Gujarat governments, and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea.