Sea breezes, low humidity reduce heatwave impact in state capital

Panaji: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Panaji, recorded an identical maximum temperature of 36 degrees celsius in the state capital and Mormugao during the prevailing heatwave on Saturday.

The humidity levels, however, differed in both coastal areas. While Panaji recorded 50%, 14% below normal on the weekend, the port area had a higher level of it at 80%, though just 2% above normal.

On Thursday, the humidity recorded in Panaji was 53% and it was 79%, just 0.5% above normal, on Friday, providing some relief from the scorching heat. On at least a couple of occasions during this week, Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 35 degrees while the mercury remained on 37+ degrees in Mormugao .

“The city and coastal locations may benefit from the sea breezes, which set off in the afternoon hours but not the interior parts of Goa,” said M R Ramesh Kumar, chief scientist (retired), NIO.

The meteorologist endorsed the IMD forecast of hotter days ahead in Goa. “The increase in humidity with the onset of pre-monsoon showers can increase both the effective heat or temperature and the discomfort index in the coming days,” he said.

Kumar further added that the pre-monsoon showers can also douse the maximum temperatures in the coming days to a certain extent.

The morning hours have provided some relief, too, as the minimum temperatures in the city have been only less than two degrees above normal on some days.

IMD has forecast a maximum temperature in the range of 36 degrees and a minimum temperature of 23 degrees during the next few days.