Rainfall deficit wiped out overnight as heavy pre-monsoon showers lash State
PANAJI
Goa’s pre-monsoon showers wiped out a rainfall deficit within a day, but the relief from the heat remained short-lived as soaring humidity levels pushed the “feels like” temperature to a scorching 47.5°C on Monday.
After a comparatively cooler start to the day with partly cloudy skies on Monday, weather conditions turned sharply oppressive post-noon. Till before 12 noon, Goa recorded around 28°C with humidity touching 89 per cent. By afternoon, however, the mercury climbed to 34.2°C while humidity hovered around 70 per cent, which drove the heat index sharply upward.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the State continues to record temperatures above normal despite widespread pre-monsoon activity.
“Both maximum and minimum temperatures across Goa are still running 1-3 degrees above normal even after the recent rainfall spells,” an official said.
On Sunday, heavy rainfall was reported at isolated places in Quepem and Dharbandora, while light to moderate showers occurred across most parts of the State. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning were also recorded at isolated locations.
Panaji recorded the State’s highest maximum temperature at 35.2°C on Sunday, while Dabolim registered the lowest minimum temperature at 23.2°C.
Speaking to The Goan, Meteorologist and former Chief Scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography, M R Ramesh Kumar, said Goa’s first substantial pre-monsoon showers had dramatically altered the rainfall statistics within 24 hours.
“The capital city received the first pre-monsoon season showers of 2026 with 11.4 mm rainfall till Monday 8.30 am, accompanied by widespread thunderstorms. For the first time this season, the pre-monsoon rainfall status shifted from a deficit of 43 per cent till Sunday to an excess of 46 per cent on Monday,” Kumar added.
He said several rain gauge stations recorded significant rainfall over the past day, with Quepem receiving 78 mm, followed by Canacona at 49.2 mm and Dharbandora at 48.2 mm.
“Quepem has so far received 116.8 mm this pre-monsoon season, while Dharbandora has recorded 84 mm till Monday morning,” Kumar said.
He attributed the widespread thunderstorms to strong atmospheric convection combined with high humidity levels prevailing over the State.
“The strong convection coupled with high humidity has triggered several thunderstorms across Goa. This single day of pre-monsoon showers has brought welcome respite from the heatwave-like conditions and high maximum temperatures prevailing over the State,” he said.
The IMD, however, cautioned that pre-monsoon showers remain highly localised and sporadic in nature, resulting in sharp fluctuations in weather conditions across the State.
