PANAJI
Goa recorded its third-highest minimum temperature in the last 30 years for April 29, as unusually warm and humid nights continued to grip the State, adding to the growing discomfort ahead of May.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature on Tuesday was 28.6°C, which is 2.2 degrees above normal for this time of the year.
“This is the third-highest minimum temperature recorded in the last 30 years for April 29. In 1995, the minimum temperature had touched 29.2°C,” IMD official Nahush Kulkarni said.
The unusually high night-time temperature meant little relief even after sunset, with the city remaining warm and clammy through the evening. At 6 pm, the temperature was still around 32.6 °C.
The daytime temperatures, too, stayed above normal with Panaji recording a maximum of 35.4°C, 1.6 degrees above normal, while Mormugao registered 34.8°C, 1.5 degrees above normal.
The IMD stated that the combination of above-normal temperatures and coastal humidity is making nights particularly uncomfortable.
Over the next week, the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 33-34°C, with only a gradual easing in daytime heat. However, night temperatures are likely to remain high, keeping conditions humid and uneasy.
Kulkarni said Goa’s coastal stations generally record summer temperatures in the 33-36°C range, occasionally touching 37°C and a minimum temperature of 26-27 °C. The pattern is likely to continue into May, suggesting the State may have to brace for more warm nights even if daytime temperatures see a slight dip.
