PANJIM: Goa has been put on Orange Alert, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy showers from July 2 to July 4, as a result of a strengthening of the monsoon conditions.
IMD Goa observatory has warned fishermen against venturing into sea till July 5 due to rough weather conditions and high wind velocity.
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On Wednesday, the State received heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds. Around two inches of rainfall was recorded.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, IMD said that the monsoon conditions have strengthened over Goa coast due to presence of an off shore trough at mean sea level and strengthening of westerly winds at 1.5 to 3.1km above mean sea level. “Increased rainfall activity is likely in Goa from July 2 to July 4,” the weather department said.
IMD said that very heavy rainfall, exceeding 11.5cm in 24 hours is likely, accompanied with wind speed of 30-40kmph. Heavy rainfall will continue even on July 5, but in a moderate range.
The southwest monsoon, that hit Goa on June 11, has been 15 per cent above normal so far. Till date, the State has recorded 44.22 inches (1084.5mm) of rainfall, compared to the normal range of 38.37 inches (950.3mm).
June received 19 per cent rainfall above the average, with 42 inches of rain recorded in the month.
June 17 was the wettest day with 5.6 inches (137.2mm) of rainfall, followed by June 3 that received 4 inches (100mm) of rains.
The monsoon activity, which was abundant, in the initial phase, weakened from June 20.
