Panaji: Despite the timely arrival of the southwest monsoon in Goa, the state is experiencing one of its weakest starts to the rainy season in recent memory. Rainfall activity remains unusually subdued, with conditions resembling the pre-monsoon period.
Rainfall Deficit Data
According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Goa, the state received only 165.8mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 16, against the normal 405.5mm. This results in a cumulative deficit of 59.1%. North Goa recorded a deficit of 63.1%, while South Goa registered a deficit of 55.5%.
The shortfall was particularly evident on June 16, when the state recorded an average rainfall of just 2.4mm, compared to the normal 43.8mm. North Goa saw 3.8mm against its normal of 42.1mm, while South Goa received only 1.2mm against the normal 45.4mm.
Meteorological Analysis
Meteorological experts described the situation as a prolonged dry spell following the onset of the southwest monsoon. MR Ramesh Kumar, retired chief scientist at NIO Goa, explained that while the first week after the monsoon onset saw moderate to normal rainfall, subsequent precipitation has been almost insignificant, amounting to a dry spell.
Among the talukas, Canacona recorded the highest seasonal rainfall at 401.4mm, followed by Mormugao with 225.4mm as of Tuesday morning. Panaji received only 102.2mm, while Sanguem recorded the lowest rainfall at 97.5mm.
Temperature and Humidity
The lack of widespread rainfall has led to persistently hot and humid conditions, an unusual feature for this stage of the monsoon season. On Tuesday, Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 33.8°C, four degrees above normal, while Mormugao registered 34.1°C, also four degrees above normal. Minimum temperatures remained elevated as well, with Panaji recording 27.8°C (3.3 degrees above normal) and Mormugao 28.2°C (3.5 degrees above normal).
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