Goa’s rainfall deficit has narrowed sharply after the state recorded its wettest post-monsoon spell so far, with a daily average of 27.1mm in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning. The improvement followed heavy rain in Canacona and moderate showers across several parts of the state, reducing the deficit from 75.5% to 57.3%.\n\nThe rainfall has come after a particularly dry start to the post-monsoon period. During the first fortnight, Goa recorded barely 3mm of rain. Three significant 24-hour rainfall spells, on the mornings of October 17, 20 and 24, have since helped bring the deficit down from levels that were approaching 100%.\n\nDespite the recent showers, Goa’s cumulative rainfall remained below normal. The state had recorded 60.3mm against a normal level of 141.4mm at this stage. The figures show that the latest downpour has reduced the gap but has not eliminated the rainfall shortfall.\n\nCanacona received the highest rainfall during the latest 24-hour period, recording 101.6mm. Dharbandora received 46.2mm, while Old Goa recorded 53.3mm. Mapusa received 23.2mm, and Dabolim and Panaji recorded 22mm each. Ponda received 20.8mm.\n\nRainfall was considerably lighter in several other locations. Sanguem recorded 15.4mm, Sanquelim 11.8mm, Quepem 10.2mm and Pernem 2.8mm. Mormugao received only 0.6mm. The uneven distribution highlights the difference between heavy localised rainfall and the state-wide rainfall required to substantially close a seasonal deficit.\n\nThe shift matters for the way Goa’s urban and regional systems respond to a highly variable rainfall pattern. Panaji, Dabolim, Mapusa and other urban areas received moderate showers, while parts of South Goa recorded much heavier rainfall. Such variations are important for local drainage management, water planning and monitoring of weather-sensitive infrastructure, although the supplied report does not provide information on flooding, reservoir levels or municipal disruptions.\n\nM R Ramesh Kumar, chief scientist (retired) at the National Institute of Oceanography and a meteorologist, said a deep depression forming over the Bay of Bengal could influence rainfall activity in Goa. He said the impact could be positive if the system intensified into a cyclone by early the following week. A large cloud cluster over the southeastern Arabian Sea was also affecting rainfall activity, according to Kumar.\n\nThe India Meteorological Department in Panaji forecast light rainfall or thundershowers for Sunday, followed by light rainfall or thundershowers on Monday and Tuesday. The immediate outlook therefore points to continued but limited rainfall activity, while the state’s cumulative deficit remains substantially above normal.
