MAPUSA
Even as conditions are becoming favourable for further withdrawal of southwest monsoon, its retreat from the State may be delayed, courtesy the low-pressure system developing in Arabian Sea.
Goa could witness another bout of light-to-moderate rainfall with thunderstorms for another couple of days as the low pressure area is likely to move further west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain/thundershowers at a few places on October 17 and 18.
While light to moderate rainfall occurred at a few places in the State accompanied with gusty winds, the skies generally remained cloudy in the latter part of the day on Monday.
“This rain, however small, is delaying the withdrawal of the monsoon over Goa. Just as there was delay in the onset of monsoon, there is delay in its withdrawal too,” said Ramesh Kumar, a meteorologist.
According to the IMD, the withdrawal line of the southwest monsoon continues to pass through Forbesganj, Malda, Vishakhapatnam, Nalgonda, Raichur and Vengurla.
Meanwhile, the State has been witnessing unusual weather conditions for the last couple of days “ hot and humid during the day and rather cool in the evenings.
And Monday was no different, as the sky cleared up and conditions turned hot and humid during the day. However, later part of the evening it became cloudy and some places received light rain.
The highest maximum temperature on Monday was recorded at 32.6 degree Celsius, while the lowest minimum temperature was recorded at 24 degree Celsius in the capital city of Panaji.
As much as 123.5 mm rainfall has been recorded in October, so far, a surplus of 16.6 percent for the season.
The IMD includes the October rainfall in the count for the new season as it records the monsoon rainfall till September 30.
