Panaji: Heavy rainfall across Goa on Tuesday helped reduce Goa’s seasonal monsoon deficit, as the state’s average rainfall for the day stood at 89.5 mm. The heavy spell helped improve the monsoon rainfall position considerably. From June 1 to June 23, Goa received 278.6mm of rainfall against a normal of 670.7mm, leaving the state with a seasonal deficit of 58.5%. The deficit had stood at 70.5% until Monday, meaning the latest rains have reduced the shortfall by 12% in just 24 hours, providing much-needed relief after a sluggish start to the season.Goa received widespread and vigorous rainfall on Tuesday, with both districts recording more than three times their normal daily rainfall. North Goa received 87.4mm of rain against a normal of 27.7mm, a surplus of 216%, while South Goa recorded 91.3mm against a normal of 30.7mm, a surplus of 198%.The state average rainfall for the day stood at 89.5mm, which was 206% above normal.Data from IMD observatories showed that Panaji received 39.8mm of rainfall during the 24-hour period ending 8.30am on Tuesday, while Mormugao recorded 33.6mm.Despite the recent rainfall, seasonal deficits remain substantial at both stations. Panaji has recorded 157mm of cumulative rainfall since June 1, which is 515.4mm below normal, while Mormugao has received 275.6mm, remaining 348.5mm below normal for the season.At Panaji, the maximum temperature was recorded at 30.5°C, slightly above normal by 0.4°C, while the minimum temperature settled at 24.2°C, marginally below normal. Relative humidity touched 98%. Mormugao recorded a maximum temperature of 29.8°C and a minimum of 23.6°C, with relative humidity at 97%.The IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Goa over the next few days. For Wednesday, the department has warned that heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph is likely at a few places in both districts.The IMD has issued an orange alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Goa on Thursday, indicating the possibility of disruptive weather conditions and calls for preparedness among residents and authorities.With the monsoon showing signs of strengthening over the state, weather officials expect rainfall activity to remain vigorous through the week, which could further improve Goa’s rainfall deficit situation if the forecast materialises.
