PANJIM: With rainfall activities being active over central and western India, the southwest monsoon is likely to enjoy an extended period in the State, this year, as the four-month long weather phenomenon is set for a late withdrawal.
The normal date of monsoon withdrawal for the State is October 14, considering that withdrawal starts from northwest India by September 17. However, the same has commenced from September 20.
In 2021 too, the monsoon withdrew from the coastal State on October 23. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa data, in 2020, the monsoon withdrew from Goa on October 28, the longest in a decade.
Speaking to HERALD, IMD Goa in-charge Rahul said that monsoon withdrawal over Goa will be delayed by around six days in the present condition. He said that there are indications of rains for next few days.
“One of the conditions to declare withdrawal is reduction in moisture and rainfall over western sides to start withdrawing. However, at present, both the conditions are not satisfying,” Rahul said.
The IMD has said that the conditions are very likely to become favourable for withdrawal of southwest monsoon from some more parts of northwest and central India during next two-three days.
“It is likely to further withdraw from remaining parts of Gujarat State, some parts of Maharashtra and some parts of East India during subsequent two days,” the IMD bulletin said.
Rahul said that as per climatology of Goa, even if withdrawal takes place, thundershowers from easterly winds will continue upto November. “Withdrawal of monsoon may not be total cessation of rainfall over Goa,” he explained.
The official monsoon season ended on September 30 with a 9.6 per cent deficit in rains, this year.
This was for the first time in last five years that Goa recorded deficit rainfall. The State’s average seasonal rainfall this year was 2720 mm, which is 9.6 per cent less than the long period average (normal) value of 3008 mm.
