PANJIM: The South-west monsoon came close to breaking its previous record in Goa after it touched the 100-inch rainfall mark in just 66 days of the season, the second fastest since 2013.
Though, the 2020 season began from June 1, the onset of monsoon over Goa, was delayed till June 11. Since then, it has rained continuously with the State recording 21 per cent surplus rains till now.
As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa Observatory, since June 1 till date, the State received 101.66 inches (2582.2mm) of rain as against the normal average of 83.71 inches (2126.3mm) for this period.
IMD scientist Rahul Mohan said this is second fastest 100 inch rain record for the decade, after 2013, wherein the rains hit a century on August 2.
He said that last year, the State had reached the 100-inches of rain mark on August 6. The year 2019, had seen a historic 150 inches of rain as against the average 120 inches for the season.
Various factors have been attributed to the increasing rainfall activities, including a low-pressure belt formation in the Arabian Sea, Cyclone Nisarag, low-pressure area in Bay of Bengal, etc. “The monsoon currents have been very active over the State throughout the season,” Mohan said.
Already in August, Goa has received 11.37 inches (287.4mm) of rain. While in June it received 42 inches of rain and in July it crossed 50 inches.
Pernem taluka has reported the highest of 123.22 inches of rain for the season, followed by Old Goa with 112.26 inches, Canacona with 109.22 inches, Sanquelim with 108.44 inches and Quepem with 103.48 inches.
June 17 has been the wettest day for the season with 5.6 inches (137.2mm) of rain, while July 3 turned out to be second wettest day with 4 inches (117.1mm) of rains.
