Monsoon revives over Goa after 3 weeks of dry weather

Panaji: After nearly three weeks of dry weather, the monsoon showed signs of revival over Goa as the state recorded 69.9mm of rainfall as of 8.30am on Aug 14.This marked the end of one of the longest lulls of the season, which lasted from July 26 to Aug 13.“The prolonged dry period, spanning about 18 days, was unusual for Goa. However, recent weather developments indicate an active southwest monsoon phase returning to the region,” said M R Ramesh Kumar, meteorologist and retired scientist from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa.He highlighted the potential formation of a low-pressure system in the central Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify into a depression. “This weather system is expected to draw significant moisture from surrounding seas, resulting in heavy rainfall across peninsular India, including Goa,” he said.On Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported moderate to heavy rainfall across most parts of Goa, signalling the resurgence of the monsoon. Panaji recorded 22mm of rainfall in 12 hours from 8.30am to 8.30pm.The prevailing weather conditions are expected to continue, as the IMD has extended a yellow alert for the state until Aug 19, warning of heavy rainfall at several places in both North and South Goa.Additionally, squally weather conditions with even stronger winds—reaching 40-50kmph and gusts up to 60kmph—are predicted along the coasts of south Maharashtra and Goa till Aug 16. The IMD has issued a cautionary advisory urging fishermen to avoid venturing into coastal waters during this period.The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also issued a high wave warning for Goa’s coastal areas. Between 8.30am and 8.30pm on Aug 15, high waves measuring 2.6m to 3m are forecast from Chapora to Panaji in North Goa, and from Santerem point (Vasco) to Kolamb in South Goa.