Panaji: Goa has recorded a cumulative rainfall deficit of more than 72% since the beginning of the month, according to data recorded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). On Sunday, North Goa received no rainfall against a normal daily average of 34.6mm, resulting in a 100% deficit for the day. South Goa fared only marginally better, recording 2.7mm of rainfall against the normal 35.1mm, translating into a deficit of 92.4% that day.For the state as a whole, the average rainfall recorded on June 21 stood at just 1.4mm compared to the normal 34.8mm. This represented a daily departure of minus 96%.The cumulative rainfall figures for the period from June 1 to June 21 paint an equally concerning picture. North Goa has received 152.7mm of rainfall against a normal of 615mm, resulting in a deficit of 75.2%. South Goa recorded 180.6mm against the normal 601.1mm, a deficit of 70%. Overall, Goa has received only 167.5mm of rainfall compared to the normal 607.6mm during the period, leaving the state with a cumulative deficit of 72.4%.Weather observations from the Panaji and Mormugao observatories indicated relatively warm and humid conditions on Saturday. Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 31.5°C, which was 1.4 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 26.6°C, 1.8 degrees above normal. Relative humidity in the city stood at 77%, which was 8% below normal.Mormugao registered an even higher maximum temperature of 33.6°C, exceeding the normal by 3.6 degrees. The minimum temperature was recorded at 25.2°C, 0.4 degrees above normal. Relative humidity reached 97%, which was 8% above the seasonal average.However, weather conditions are expected to become more active over the next two days. For June 22 and June 23, the IMD has issued a yellow alert forecasting light to moderate rainfall across the state, while warning that heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in North Goa and South Goa. The warning suggests the possibility of localised intense showers even though widespread heavy rainfall is not expected.
