PANAJI
Amid days of surly weather and soaring heat, Goans can hope to look forward to some respite in the days to come with the weatherman predicting the possibility of some showers which will help dip the mercury.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of rainfall by next week.
The forecast issued by the IMD for the next two weeks states that there is possibility of lower than normal temperatures with moisture incursion across Goa after March 15.
Skymet Weather, meanwhile, has forecast a 'season of thunderstorms' which could extend to Goa in the next fortnight.
The maximum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 35.8 degrees Celsius, higher than normal but the possibility of light rainfall in the next week could provide some relief from extreme heat.
As per IMD, the temperature did not cross the heat wave criteria until at least 4 pm.
“Even though the maximum temperature is 3-4 degrees higher than normal, it may not cross the criteria of a heat wave… The extended range forecast indicates that there is a likelihood of lower than normal maximum temperatures in the coming weeks with the possibility of moisture incursion and light rainfall over Goa after March 15,” IMD scientist Rahul Mohan said.
SCHOOLS CURTAIL CLASSES
Schools across Goa curtailed classes on Thursday due to a heat wave warning issued by the IMD Goa. The Education Department’s circular released at around 11am directed the schools to “dismiss classes before 12 pm on March 9 (Thursday) and March 10 (Friday).”
The circular by Education Director Shailesh Zingde was issued following Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s instructions to suspend classes before 12 noon on Thursday and Friday in the wake of the possibility of a heat wave.
Several schools called off classes by 11.30 am after parents were intimated about the development through WhatsApp group messages or calls.
