PANAJI
Goa is likely to witness another spell of widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy showers next week as weather systems over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal strengthen, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to warn of localised flooding, traffic disruption and possible landslides in vulnerable areas.
In its extended range outlook for the week from July 30 to August 5, the IMD (Ministry of Earth Sciences) said coastal Konkan and Goa are expected to receive widespread rainfall on many days under the combined influence of a strengthening low-level Somali Jet, a weak offshore trough extending from south Gujarat to Karnataka, and an upper air cyclonic circulation likely to develop over the north and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.
The department said these systems are expected to keep monsoon activity active along the west coast, with coastal Konkan and Goa among the regions likely to experience isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall during the period.
The IMD cautioned that intense spells of rain could trigger localised flooding of roads, water-logging in low-lying areas, reduced visibility, traffic delays and minor damage to vulnerable structures. It also flagged the possibility of landslides and mudslides in susceptible locations, along with damage to horticulture and standing crops due to inundation. River catchments may also witness a rise in water levels.
For the agriculture sector, the IMD advised farmers in Konkan and Goa to ensure uninterrupted drainage in rice nurseries, paddy fields and vegetable farms, and to continuously remove excess rainwater from low-lying areas to prevent prolonged water-logging. Gap filling and transplanting operations should be undertaken only where field conditions permit, it said.
The weather office also urged residents to check traffic conditions before travelling, follow official advisories, avoid waterlogged stretches and refrain from staying in vulnerable structures during periods of intense rainfall.
With a yellow alert sounded till Saturday, the IMD Goa has not issued any weather warning till July 30 as moderate rainfall is very likely across Goa.
