September rainfall exceeds normal, likely to end with over 30% surplus

Panaji: A spell of moderate and heavy rainfall for over a week has helped take the month’s total beyond the normal mark. On Thursday, the total rainfall for September touched 428.4mm, as compared to the normal value of 318.5mm. Though the rainfall during the final month of the monsoon season was sparse for a fortnight, the productive spell has left a surplus of about 34%.

The wet phase is likely to continue for a few more days.

Overall, the seasonal total crossed the normal value of 2,992.4mm to touch 3,205.2mm, taking the overall surplus up by a modest 7.1%. The normal mark of the season was crossed a few days ago.

During the past 24 hours, only Canacona recorded heavy rainfall of 84.8mm, as compared to the previous day. Other centres received moderate rainfall, with Dabolim recording 52mm, Mormugao 44.6mm, Quepem 40mm, Panaji 39.7mm, Old Goa 28mm, Margao 22mm, Mapusa 21mm, Ponda 20.8mm, Sanguem 19.3mm, and Sanquelim 14.8mm. Figures for Valpoi were not available.

“The combined effect of a cyclonic circulation over north interior Karnataka and its neighbouring area and a similar system over north central Maharashtra is impacting the weather conditions over Goa,” said Rajasree V P M, scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Panaji.

Under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over Myanmar and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal, a low pressure area is likely to form over east central and adjoining northeast Bay of Bengal during the next 24 hours. All these are significant synoptic systems that are exerting some influence, too.

After a weak start to the monsoon season in June, which ended with a deficit of 28%, the abundant rainfall in July helped sustain the seasonal total during the driest August this season.