Wet spell extended, IMD issues heavy rain warning for 3 days in Goa

PANAJI: Dispelling any hope for relief from the ongoing wet spell in the state, India meteorological department (IMD), Panaji, issued a warning for heavy rainfall in isolated places for the next three days.
“Heavy rainfall is likely due to the presence of an offshore trough,” IMD director Krishnamurty Padgalwar said. The offshore trough extends from south Gujarat to Karnataka coast, responsible for prolonging the heavy rain being experienced since the last few days caused due to three strong monsoonal systems.
Though the rainfall had reduced in intensity on Friday, many parts of Goa encountered heavy spells over the weekend.
On Saturday, the continuing spell of moderate to heavy rainfall pushed the seasonal surplus to 31%. While the total soared to 3623.8mm (142.6 inches), a figure total of 2767.9mm (108.9 inches) is considered normal at this stage.
Pernem and Sakhali received heavy rainfall of 85.8mm and 70.2mm in the last 24 hours.
Old Goa recorded moderate rainfall of 50.2mm, Ponda 45mm, Panaji 41.2mm and other centres on a lesser scale. The figures of four centres – Mapusa, Valpoi, Sanguem and Margao were unavailable.
Meteorologists are expecting a slight reduction in rainfall after three days, as the offshore trough may dissipate mid-week.
Earlier this week, a low pressure area in Bay of Bengal, an offshore trough from Maharashtra to Kerala coast and a wind shear zone tilting towards south triggered heavy rainfall in some parts of the state.