80 % of normal monsoon by July itself; set to cross average
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Goa has received almost 80 per cent of its normal monsoon by July itself, with the State Met Department asserting that this could be some sort of a record.
If the current monsoon trend continues, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa predicts that this year the monsoon might cross its normal average, which is 258 cms for the season. The State has already recorded 208 cms of rainfall so far.
The Goa monsoon normally lasts for four months from June to September.
IMD Goa observatory in-charge KV Singh said that June and July are considered peak monsoon months when it receives heavy rains, while the monsoon pitters away in August and September.
“These two months have already covered almost 80 per cent of the total seasonal rainfall. Though there is no observation made, it could be a record,” he added.
Singh said that July ended as the wettest month after 18 years. The meteorological centre recorded rainfall of 1,387.8 mm (54.6 inches) last month in the city. “This is the highest rainfall in July after 1,526.1 mm (60.8 inches) was recorded in 1995,” Singh said.
He said that it rained every single day in July and there were no dry spells. July 3 was recorded as the wettest day of the month.
“This year, the monsoon was very active and there was heavy to very heavy rainfall in some part of the State,” Singh said.
At the same time, IMD also says that the heavy rainfall trend might moderate in the coming days.
When asked about the cyclonic winds that hit parts of Kavlem village in Ponda and Balli in Quepem, Singh said ‘these are not cyclonic winds but
gusty winds’. Several trees were uprooted while many houses were damaged injuring more than five people in both the villages, on Thursday night.
“The increase in atmospheric pressure radiant, resulted in gusty winds. The phenomena might persist for next two-three days,” he added.
Meteorologists have already predicted excess rainfall for Goa stating that the year could be a ‘flood year’.
