Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 24: Several parts of Goa received much-needed relief from scorching heat on Friday as sudden downpours, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, swept across the state.

Goa recorded a maximum temperature of around 36 degrees Celsius on Thursday, 3.7 degrees above normal, and similar conditions continued on Friday. The minimum temperature stood at 26.2 degrees Celsius. However, heavy showers in the afternoon brought the temperature down to around 31.5 degrees Celsius, offering respite from the oppressive heat.

While urban areas experienced brief spells of rain, several hinterland and remote areas witnessed heavier showers throughout the day. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph affected parts of the state.

The Met department has forecast light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers over the Ghats and adjoining areas in the coming days. No severe weather warning has been issued for Goa for the weekend.

Weather forecasts indicate that temperatures could gradually decline, with maximums expected to range between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 33 to 34 degrees Celsius on Sunday, bringing further relief from the heat.

Meanwhile, weather activity is intensifying along India's eastern coast. The IMD has reported the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 26.

The developing system could affect the Andaman Islands, coastal Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Gangetic West Bengal, with several coastal regions bracing for adverse weather. Goa, however, has not been placed under any weather warning.