Panaji: Goa experienced torrential rainfall throughout the week, leading to severe flooding, uprooted trees, and significant disruption to daily life. However, this deluge also resulted in a substantial boost to the state’s seasonal rainfall totals. A deficit of 2.8% recorded in June has been more than compensated, with a surplus of 28.1% noted by Saturday.
As of the weekend, Goa’s seasonal total rainfall reached 1,735.6 mm, considerably higher than the normal average of 1,355.3 mm for this period. Rainfall deviations within 20% are considered normal, making the 28.1% surplus particularly notable. In contrast, the all-India monsoon deficit stands at 3%. A meteorologist and retired chief scientist from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) attributed this significant surplus to the current positioning of the monsoon trough, which lies south of its mean position, coupled with an offshore trough extending from Mumbai to Kerala. Additionally, a strong low-level jet stream at a height of 1,500 metres, with its core passing through Goa, has contributed to the increased rainfall. “The cross-equatorial flow remains robust, and the Indian Ocean Dipole is neutral,” the scientist added.
The state recorded an average rainfall of 236 mm over a 24-hour period on July 8, with rainfall varying from moderate to heavy for the rest of the week. On Saturday, the daily average rainfall was 79.4 mm, compared to 36.7 mm on Thursday and 16.1 mm on Friday. In the last 24 hours, Sanguem experienced the highest rainfall at 125.4 mm, marking the only centre with very heavy rainfall. Other centres also reported substantial rainfall: Valpoi (97.2 mm), Sanquelim (93.4 mm), Ponda (88.4 mm), Panaji (79.1 mm), Quepem (74 mm), Dabolim (72.6 mm), Mormugao (71.4 mm), and Margao (65 mm). Canacona recorded the lowest rainfall at 28.2 mm.
The absence of La Nina, a phenomenon that typically enhances monsoon conditions, in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean makes Goa’s surplus rainfall even more remarkable. This unexpected surge underscores the complexity and variability of monsoon patterns in the region. This week’s heavy rains not only highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to manage such extreme weather events but also emphasised the importance of robust disaster management systems to mitigate the impact on residents. As Goa continues to experience significant weather fluctuations, comprehensive planning and proactive measures will be crucial to safeguarding the state’s infrastructure and its people.
