Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 17: Despite the southwest monsoon arriving in Goa on time, the state is experiencing one of its weakest starts to the rainy season in recent years, with significantly below-normal rainfall and weather conditions resembling the pre-monsoon period.

According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Goa received only 165.8 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 16, against the normal average of 405.5 mm, resulting in an overall rainfall deficit of 59.1 per cent.

North Goa has been the worst affected, recording a deficit of 63.1 per cent, while South Goa has registered a 55.5 per cent shortfall.

The deficit was particularly evident on June 16, when the state received an average rainfall of just 2.4 mm, far below the normal 43.8 mm expected for the day.

North Goa recorded 3.8 mm of rainfall compared to its normal 42.1 mm, while South Goa received only 1.2 mm against the usual 45.4 mm.

Weather experts have described the situation as an extended dry spell that has followed the initial arrival of the southwest monsoon.

M.R. Ramesh Kumar, retired chief scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), said the state witnessed normal to moderate rainfall during the first week after the monsoon onset, but rainfall activity weakened considerably thereafter.

“The first week after the onset of the monsoon over Goa saw moderate to normal rainfall, but subsequently the rainfall received over the state was almost insignificant, amounting to a dry spell,” he said.

Among Goa's talukas, Canacona has received the highest seasonal rainfall so far, recording 401.4 mm, followed by Mormugao with 225.4 mm.

In contrast, Panaji has received only 102.2 mm, while Sanguem has recorded the lowest rainfall at 97.5 mm.

The prolonged lack of widespread rain has also contributed to unusually hot and humid conditions across the state, which is uncommon for this phase of the monsoon season.

On Tuesday, Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius, which was four degrees above normal, while Mormugao registered 34.1 degrees Celsius, also four degrees higher than usual.

Night temperatures remained elevated as well. Panaji recorded a minimum temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees above normal, while Mormugao registered 28.2 degrees Celsius, 3.5 degrees above normal.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring weather patterns as Goa waits for a revival in monsoon activity to ease the rainfall deficit and bring relief from the persistent heat and humidity.