Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Goa later than its usual schedule this year, as its progress over the Arabian Sea remains slower than normal.
Weather experts indicate that the seasonal rain system has not advanced as quickly as anticipated due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions over the southern Arabian Sea. As a result, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its forecast for the monsoon’s entry into Kerala, now expecting it between June 2 and June 4.
Since the monsoon generally takes several days to move from Kerala to Goa, the state’s traditional onset date of June 5 is now unlikely to be met.
The IMD has said that conditions remain supportive for further advancement of the monsoon into Kerala in the coming days. However, officials noted that a clearer picture regarding Goa’s onset date will emerge only after the system becomes firmly established over the neighbouring state.
In the meantime, scattered pre-monsoon showers are likely to continue across Goa, providing intermittent relief from the prevailing heat.
Historical records show that delayed monsoon arrivals have become increasingly common in Goa over the last decade. Significant delays were recorded in several years, including 2016 and 2019, when the rains reached the state much later than normal. More recently, the monsoon arrived on June 10 in 2022 and June 11 in 2023. While 2024 saw a near-normal onset, last year was exceptional, with the monsoon reaching Goa well ahead of schedule.
Pre-monsoon rainfall statistics indicate that Goa has already received above-average rainfall this season. Between March and the end of May, the state recorded nearly 80 mm of rainfall, surpassing the long-term average for the period.
Rainfall distribution, however, has been uneven. South Goa witnessed substantially higher precipitation than normal, while North Goa recorded a deficit during the same period.
The state also experienced warmer-than-usual conditions during the closing days of May. Temperatures remained above seasonal averages in both coastal and inland areas, with humid nights indicating increasing moisture levels in the atmosphere ahead of the monsoon.
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast continued light to moderate rain and thundershowers over the coming week. Isolated locations may witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 50 kmph. Temperatures are expected to remain relatively stable, with daytime readings in the mid-30s and warm nights persisting across the state.
