Panaji: Based on the climatological mean of 1981-2010, Goa records approximately 22 rainy days on average in June. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a rainy day is when more than 2.5mm of rainfall is received in a day. However, going by the shortfall of the current monsoon, Goa has received only 18% of the monthly total on 13 days in June so far.“The monthly mean rainfall in June for Goa is 909mm. We have received only 18% of the monthly total, so far, which is really alarming,” said M R Ramesh Kumar, meteorologist and retired chief scientist from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula. “With 18 days already over, the hope is that the rest of the days will bring some semblance to the monsoon season in the state,” he said.Rainfall data for 1981-2010 reveals that North Goa receives 928.1mm of rainfall and South Goa receives 888.8mm of rainfall in June.In this season so far, Goa recorded a steep rainfall deficit of 66% between June 1 and 18, according to the IMD data. The state received only 166mm of rainfall against the normal 490mm during the period. Both North Goa and South Goa recorded no rainfall on June 18, resulting in a 100% daily deficit on Thursday. Cumulative rainfall deficits stood at 69.4% in North Goa and 63.2% in South Goa, raising concerns over this season’s monsoon performance in the state.The dry conditions shot up maximum temperatures as Panaji recorded 34.4°C on Thursday, which is 4.5°C above normal. “Ideally temperatures should be around 29°C for maximum and around 25°C for minimum temperatures, but the absence of monsoon showers, has deprived the state of the cooling effect that the monsoon season brings, especially this month, to date,” Kumar said.“When we look at the rainfall for Goa till Thursday morning, it presents a bleak picture. With only 12 days remaining, it may be difficult for the state to catch up with the climatological mean of either 1931-1960 or the most recent one, 1981-2010,” he added.The IMD has forecast hot and humid weather conditions and likelihood of light rainfall in the evening and night hours over Goa on June 19 and 20.
