Panaji: In some much-needed relief for the residents of Goa, the weather department has predicted a significant increase in the rainfall activity over the next five days in both, the North and the South Goa districts.

This forecast comes as a result of an offshore trough at the mean sea level, which is currently running along the south Maharashtra, Karnataka and north Kerala coasts.

Additionally, southwesterly to westerly winds are prevailing in the lower levels of the atmosphere over Goa up to 4 kilometres above the mean sea level. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at a few places until June 27.

Heavy rainfall is defined as rainfall exceeding 64.4 millimetres in a 24-hour period. Residents should brace themselves for short but intense spells of rain accompanied by wind gusts reaching approximately 40 kilometres per hour.

The IMD has also issued a warning about squally weather, with wind speed ranging from 40 to 45 kilometres per hour, gusting up to 55 kilometres per hour, expected along and off the south Maharashtra-Goa coast until June 27.

Goa has experienced a below-average monsoon season so far, but the recent rainfall has helped alleviate the rain deficit by 2%. Since the beginning of June until now, the state has recorded 204.2 millimetres of rain, while the average rainfall for this period is 670.6 millimetres. The increase in rainfall over the last few days has contributed to narrowing of the rain deficit and has brought relief to farmers and residents.

On Friday, the monsoon activity over Goa was classified as normal, with moderate rainfall occurring in most areas across the state.

In the last 24 hours, several regions in Goa received significant amount of rainfall. Sanguem recorded 6 centimetres of rainfall, while Mormugao and Canacona received rain of 5 centimetres each. Other areas such as Dabolim, Margao and Ponda registered 4 centimetres of rain.