Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Sep 22: Goa’s southwest monsoon this year has been noticeably weak, with the state receiving 3,003.4mm of rainfall so far, just weeks before the season ends. This is 47% less than the 4,400mm recorded during the same period in 2024.
Rainfall distribution across Goa has been uneven. Only six of the 13 rain gauge stations crossed the 3,000mm mark, while four stations received less than 2,540mm (100 inches). Among the lowest rainfall were Mormugao (2,034mm), Dabolim (2,062mm), Panaji (2,459mm), and Mapusa (2,523mm). The highest was recorded at Sanguem with 3,949mm.
In contrast, the all-India monsoon performed better, with 885mm rainfall against the normal of 822mm, marking an 8% surplus, while Goa recorded only a 3% excess over its long-term average. Regions like west Rajasthan (72% surplus) and east Rajasthan (63% surplus) received heavy rainfall, while Arunachal Pradesh (-39%), Assam and Meghalaya (-34%), and Bihar (-27%) faced significant deficits.
Meteorologist Ramesh Kumar, retired chief scientist from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, said the weak monsoon in the state was shaped by prolonged breaks in July and August. Goa experienced three major breaks: July 27–Aug 4 (nine days), Aug 6–11 (six days), and Aug 21–25 (five days), coinciding with the peak monsoon months. “These breaks have largely decided the fate of summer rainfall for Goa,” he explained.
On the broader scale, the season saw four short-lived depressions in July, followed by one each in August and September. These systems brought intermittent heavy showers across India but had limited impact on Goa. September did see a moderate revival in rainfall, affecting outdoor plans, but it was insufficient to bridge the overall deficit.
The southwest monsoon withdrawal began earlier than usual from northwest Rajasthan on September 14, three days ahead of the mean date of September 17. Currently, the monsoon remains weak over Goa, leading to dry weather and a slight rise in temperatures, with Panaji recording a maximum of 31°C on Sunday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall over the state, with showers expected across both North and South Goa districts until September 27.