Equitable rain distribution lifts season total to modest surplus

Panaji: Frequent and occasionally steady spells of rain over the past few days have lifted the seasonal total from a minor deficit to a modest surplus, as the present equitable pattern of rain makes for enjoyable weather in Goa.

The active monsoon over the past seven days has added nearly 350mm to the seasonal total. The highest daily average of 24-hour rainfall during the week was 79.7mm recorded on the morning of July 23.

On Saturday, the rainfall total touched 1,941.1mm, as compared to the normal value of 1,805.6mm, producing a surplus of 7.5% as compared to 5% of the Indian subcontinent.

“In an interesting phenomenon this year, both spatial (relating to area) and temporal (relating to time) rainfall distribution till Saturday morning has been quite good,” said M R Ramesh Kumar, meteorologist and a retired chief scientist of the National Institute of Oceanography.

He said, “Most of the 13 rain gauge stations have received plenty of rainfall.”

The Dharbandora centre has logged the highest of 2,662mm and Mormugao the lowest of 1,278mm so far.

In the present phase, the monsoon has been quite active over Goa, especially since July 15. Kumar attributed it to the strong upper air winds, including the low-level jet stream (LLJS) which is about 1,500m above the mean sea level.

“LLJS has been quite strong, bringing lots of moisture into peninsular India, especially over Goa, with lots of rainfall over most of the rain gauge stations,” he said.

Over the past 24 hours till Saturday morning, Valpoi recorded 105.5mm, Quepem 95mm, Dharbandora 88mm, Sanguem 87.5mm, and Ponda 72.8mm.