Goa: Lean monsoon spell for two weeks

PANAJI: This month’s lowest 24-hour rainfall of just 4.3mm was recorded on Saturday while the last six days has yielded just 63mm rainfall. Experts said that the lean spell may continue for about two weeks as the circulation over the north Gujarat region may not sustain precipitation for long.
In a month that witnessed torrential rainfall for more than a fortnight, India meteorological department (IMD) Panaji, has recorded state average rainfall below 20mm for the last six days, including below 10mm during the last three days.
IMD has, however, forecast a slight increase in rainfall on Sunday. “There will be a marginal increase, but monsoon activity is very likely to remain weak for about two weeks as per IMD’s extended range forecast,” IMD Panaji scientist Rahul M said.
The system forming over north Gujarat is unlikely to trigger a revival of the monsoon. The monsoon trough, which is a main feature of southwest monsoon, is likely to slowly shift northwards in the next three to four days, resulting in a weak monsoon activity.
“The marginal increase on Sunday may sustain for only one or two days, as the system is not in an ideal location and its intensity will not be significant, “ The IMD scientist said.
In a rainy month with extremely heavy rainfall of 200+mm recorded at a few centres, the 6% deficit of June was wiped off within a day. This season’s wettest 24-hour spell of 161.7mm was also recorded this month on July 8.
On Saturday the season total touched 1981.2mm as compared to a normal of 1699mm. Despite the lean spell, the surplus is still reasonable at 16.6%.
During the 24 hour spell till Saturday morning, Pernem recorded the highest rainfall of 15.8mm and all other centres below 10mm. Figures of Valpoi and Quepem were not available.