State swelters despite yellow alert for rain

Panaji: Even as a yellow alert remained in place warning of rain across Goa, the state experienced unusually warm and humid weather on Friday. Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of nearly 35°C, which was 2.6°C above normal, while Mormugao registered 32.6°C, 1.1°C above the seasonal average.

Minimum temperatures stood at 25°C in Panaji and 24.4°C in Mormugao, adding to the overall discomfort.Despite the heat, several parts of the state received light to moderate rainfall. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Quepem recorded 20mm of moderate rain, while Mormugao received 12.4mm, Sanguem 6mm, and Dabolim 4.8mm of light rain. Very light rain was also reported in vicinity of Ponda (2mm), Canacona (1.2mm), and Panaji (0.4mm).The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across the state on Saturday. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 30-40kmph, gusting up to 50kmph, are also expected.The weather activity has been linked to an upper air cyclonic circulation persisting over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep region. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form and intensify into a depression within the next 48 hours.Temperatures are expected to remain around 33°C and 25°C, respectively.