PANAJI: A trough that formed between Lakshadweep and coastal Karnataka two days ago triggered light rainfall in some parts of Goa, bringing relief from the increased heat and humidity amid speculation of a heat wave.
Brisk rainfall for a few minutes was reported in parts of the state as the system weakened after developing into a circulation over south Maharashtra on Tuesday. Areas that received light rain included Aldona, Porvorim, Guirim and Vasco.
The overcast conditions, which raised the mercury by 3.4 degrees above normal to 27.7C during morning hours, cleared by noon.
After a maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees — three degrees above normal — was recorded last Friday, the mercury has slid closer to normal levels.
While heat wave conditions prevailed in Ratnagiri and other places, it was higher humidity and a three-degree rise in temperature that caused discomfort in Goa.
Humidity had risen between 13-16% higher than normal during the weekend and was only between 5-6% above normal on Tuesday.
“We are expecting fair weather from Wednesday. Clouding will reduce and maximum temperature will go down by a degree,” Rahul M, scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Panaji, said.
The maximum temperature will hover around 33-34Celsius and humidity will also remain slightly above normal.
IMD has issued a warning for fishermen not to venture out to sea within 75km from the coast due to squally weather conditions, as wind is likely to blow at speeds of 40-50 km per hour.