Panaji: Goa is heading towards one of its driest Junes in recent years, with rainfall remaining nearly 41% below normal despite a brief revival in monsoon activity over the past week, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data.The state has received 512mm of rainfall since June 1, against the normal average of 871.8mm. While the southwest monsoon arrived on time on June 5, rainfall during the first fortnight was highly uneven, with showers restricted to isolated parts of the state.Between June 12 and 22, rainfall activity weakened significantly, with eight completely dry days recorded. The prolonged lull led to a rise in daytime temperatures, temporarily bringing back summer-like conditions.Monsoon conditions improved thereafter, with June 23 recording the highest single-day rainfall of the month at 89.5mm. However, recent showers have not been sufficient to bridge the early-season deficit.As of June 29, Goa’s seasonal rainfall deficit still stands at 41%. Most rainfall has remained uneven across the state, with only the Canacona station receiving its normal monthly average. Other stations have recorded about half or even one-third of their typical June rainfall of around 909mm.Meteorologist and former chief scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, MR Ramesh Kumar, said the state could be witnessing one of its lowest June rainfall totals in recent decades.He attributed the subdued monsoon activity to multiple large-scale factors, including a weak low-level jet stream, weak cross-equatorial flow, and the absence of strong convective systems over both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. He also pointed to developing El Nino conditions over the eastern equatorial Pacific and neutral Indian Ocean dipole conditions as contributing influences.On Monday, coastal temperatures remained elevated despite high humidity. Panaji recorded a maximum of 30.5°C and a minimum of 25°C, while Mormugao logged 30.6°C and 24.4°C, with relative humidity levels of 97% and 95%, respectively.The IMD has forecast a resurgence of monsoon activity over the coming days, issuing a yellow alert for Goa until July 5. The warning indicates the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall across the state, with isolated spells of very heavy rain and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph.
