Cyclonic circulation, other factors delay monsoon retreat

Panaji: The cyclonic circulation that has formed over south east Arabian Sea off the Kerala coast and various other active features have delayed the withdrawal of monsoon over Goa. A few places in the state are witnessing rain with thunderstorm activity.
While the normal date for monsoon withdrawal over Goa is October 14, last year it occurred on October 23, and on October 28 in 2020.
“The withdrawal is still in progress and the withdrawal line is passing through northern parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, parts of Bihar and Jharkhand. In the next two to three days, the withdrawal will take place from more parts of Maharashtra,” scientist at the India meteorological department (IMD), Panaji, Rahul M, said.
But withdrawal over Goa is expected to be delayed as IMD-Panaji has warned of rain and thundershowers being very likely at many places in Goa for the next few days. Haze or shallow fog is also very likely in the early morning at isolated places.
During the last 24 hours till Saturday morning, Valpoi recorded heavy rainfall of 110.5mm, Sanquelim 8.6mm, Pernem 5.2mm and other centres less than 3mm in widespread precipitation across Goa.
While parts of Goa witnessed rainfall activity, especially the hinterland talukas on Sunday, the off-season rainfall since October 1 has touched 43.1mm while the normal at this stage is 105.9mm — a deficit of 59.3mm.
The rainfall quantum showed a decrease during the last 24 hours till Sunday morning as only three centres recorded light to moderate rainfall.
Sanguem recorded the highest of 26.5mm, Sanquelim 11m and Valpoi 3.9mm while figures of rainfall in Ponda were not available.