Team Herald
PANJIM: After an initial weak period, the southwest monsoon activity over Goa is likely to increase from around the first week of August.
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After continuous downpours in June and early July, the southwest monsoon currents had weakened and normalised over the State resulting in less rains since July 19. The rainfall, which was at a surplus of 26 per cent till mid-July, has now dropped to 16 per cent above normal.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa observatory has issued a heavy rainfall warning for the State till August 3, directing fishermen not to venture into the sea during the period due to rough weather conditions.
IMD scientist Rahul Mohan said that as per the latest observations, rainfall activity over Goa is very likely to increase from around August 1 onwards.
“Reasons for this increase in activity are increase of pressure gradient over Arabian Sea and increase in strength of westerly winds at 1.5kms to 3.1kms height. And later possible formation of circulation over Bay of Bengal,” he said.
Mohan said that very heavy rainfall is likely over the State from August 1 onwards and the active period of the monsoon is likely to continue during the first week of August.
Since June 1, the State has recorded 91.71 inches (2246.9mm) as against the normal average of 78.97 inches (1935mm), making it 16 per cent surplus in rain.
