Team Herald
PANJIM: Check this out. The rainfall received in Goa that was above average a month ago is now below par. In a little over a month, the State went from 15 percent above normal rainfall to 17 percent below it.
After prolonged spells of rain during the first 45 days of the South-West monsoon season, Goa is now struggling to touch the average rainfall for the period. The State is currently facing a 15 percent rainfall deficit. On an average by mid-August the rainfall normally touches the 100-inch mark.
The onset of south-west monsoons over Goa was on June 8 and by July 15 the State had received almost 1571.3 mm (61.8 inches) of rain, which was a surplus of 17 percent. However, with some sunny spells from July end onwards, the monsoon has reduced its ferocity over the Goa coast and it’s now a deficit of 15 percent.
A total rainfall of 2,946mm (116 inches) is considered normal for Goa. However, with a little over a month left for the season to end, the State has so far received 2,175.8mm (85.66 inches) of rainfall. The IMD forecast said that the average annual rainfall till August 22 is 2,560.6mm (100 inches).
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa director M L Sahu admitted that the south-west monsoon currents had weakened over Goa in the last couple of days but now they are normal. “State did receive heavy spells of rains in the first month of the season,” he said.
The North District has received 2,350.5 mm (92.53 inches), which is 13 percent less than the normal rainfall of 2,702.7mm. On the other hand, South Goa is also short of the average rainfall. The seasonal rainfall so far over the district has touched 1992 mm (78.42 inches), while the average is 2396.7 mm.
July 6, with 122 mm of rainfall continues to be the wettest day of the season followed by June 9 that received 100mm of rainfall.
Though, the monsoon currents have weakened over the coast, the State has not reported any dry spell till date. July 30, received the lowest quantity of rain, just 2mm.
IMD has forecast light to moderate showers in the State for the next five days. However, due to rough weather conditions fishermen have been asked not to venture into sea during next three days.
