Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Nearly two weeks after the onset of the southwest monsoon, Goa is grappling with a severe rainfall deficit, having received barely 40 percent of its normal June precipitation, even as temperatures continue to remain significantly above average.
According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Goa recorded 165.8 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 16 against the normal 405.5 mm for the period, resulting in a rainfall deficit of 59.1 percent.
The weak monsoon conditions have also contributed to unseasonably warm weather across the State. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature touched 34.4°C, which was 4.5°C above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 27.8°C, around 3.3°C higher than the seasonal average.
The IMD said the southwest monsoon remained weak over Goa during the last 24 hours, with only very light to light rainfall reported from many parts of the State.
Weather officials have forecast continued hot and humid conditions along with light to moderate rainfall across both Goa districts until at least June 19.
Despite the sharp rainfall shortfall, IMD scientist Nahush Kulkarni cautioned against drawing conclusions about the overall monsoon season at this stage, although he acknowledged that rainfall activity has remained subdued so far.
“Goa usually receives rainfall for about 20 days in June, while around 10 days are generally dry. It is too premature to describe this as one of the driest monsoons. However, the monsoon is definitely weak at present,” Kulkarni said
Adding to concerns, an international climate forecast has projected that the Konkan-Goa region could witness some of the country’s largest rainfall deficits during the core monsoon months of July, August and September. The IMD has also forecast below-average rainfall for the period.
The continued weak monsoon and rising temperatures have raised concerns among farmers, water resource managers and residents, even as meteorologists maintain that the season is still in its early phase and could see significant changes in the coming weeks.
