Goa: Pre-monsoon total in 5% surplus, light rain likely till Fri

Panaji: Light showers in isolated places across Goa during the last few days have wiped off the pre-monsoon deficit, as India Meteorological Department (IMD), Panaji, has forecast light to moderate rainfall till Friday.

At one stage, especially the first fortnight of May, the state had witnessed heat wave-like conditions, as the mercury persistently recorded maximum temperatures of 36°C-plus and minimum temperatures of 28°C-plus.

The anomalous weather had caused heat-distress to many, as Goa reeled under sweltering conditions in the absence of sea breezes in noon hours and lack of relief at night.

However, the pre-monsoon activity started over a week ago, bringing down the mercury during day and night hours.

At this stage, the pre-monsoon total has touched 39.8mm, as compared to 37.9mm – a modest surplus of 5%. This season’s highest 24-hour rainfall of 32.1mm was recorded in widespread activity on the morning of May 18.

The rainfall has been sparse during last few days, 4.7mm on May 19, 0.1mm each on May 20 and 22 and 0.4mm on May 23.

During 24 hours till Saturday morning, the highest of 2mm was recorded in Panaji, 1.7mm in Sanguem, 0.5 in Margao and 0.2mm each in Dharbandora and Old Goa. Figures of Canacona, Quepem and Pernem were not available.

An upper air cyclonic circulation over east-central Arabian Sea and neighbouring region is creating cloudy conditions over Goa. The maximum temperatures have been within the normal range, as IMD recorded 34.4°C at Panaji on Thursday and 34.8°C on Friday while lowest minimum temperature of 27.8°C was recorded on Saturday.