PANAJI
In the midst of extreme heat, Goa is witnessing a sudden spurt in incidents of forest fires. The last couple of days have been challenging for the firefighters given that out of 208 fire-related incidents reported in 96 hours, 178 were burning of dry grasses, fields including cashew plantation, hillocks and even Mhadei wildlife sanctuary.
Goa logged many hottest days in February, the month when the coastal State usually experiences slightly milder winter and breezy conditions.
With many regions of Goa currently under the tight grip of heat; the State, perhaps for the first time, is stunned by raging forest fires. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa cites higher temperatures with lower humidity to fire incidents.
“The temperature is not completely an unnatural phenomenon. We have experienced this in the past as well, but certainly this time the highest temperature is frequent. February was comparatively hotter… The lower humidity value at 20-30 percent is possibly leading to dry grass and forest fires,” IMD Scientist Rahul M told The Goan.
The uncontrolled fire in Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary on Sunday besides three fire incidents in Curchorem, Sanguem and Padal Hill in Bethora gave the firefighters a tough time as the blaze travelled quickly in the vicinity.
Goa is reporting an average of 23 cases of dry grass and field fires in a single day. Rahul reiterated that the dry grasses are catching fire owing to the rise in temperature and low humidity. “The humidity value is higher between 5 am and 7 am where it drops post-noon to around 20-30 percent, and shoots up to 80-90 percent at midnight because of the sea breeze,” he explained, adding that drop in humidity is leading to the fire.
The months from January to March record low humidity.
The IMD’s long-range forecast for March to May 2023 indicates that most parts of North Goa will have a higher probability of normal maximum temperatures whereas parts of South Goa will have a higher probability of above-normal maximum temperatures. “Regarding heat wave probability, it is low,” he added.
On Monday, the maximum temperature in Panaji was recorded at 36 degree Celsius, and it is expected to rise on March 8-10.
