Panaji: After 15 days under a yellow alert for heat (March 2-16), Goa is now under a green code, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a dip in maximum temperatures this week. The state’s maximum temperature will remain between 34°C and 35°C, offering some relief.
The IMD has also forecast shallow to moderate morning fog in the coming days.
“Monday’s maximum temperature was the lowest observed in the past three days, especially when compared to the scorching temperatures on March 15 and 16,” said Ramesh Kumar, meteorologist and retired scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
The shift to a green code brings a temporary respite from heat, with the forecast of a moderate temperature range. Chances of a pre-monsoon period ahead are also on the anvil. “The drop in temperature is due to pre-monsoon cloud cover that has been influencing weather patterns across the state,” Kumar said.
On March 17, the Mopa airport region recorded the highest temperature at 36.4°C, while the IMD station at Altinho, Panaji, reported 34.2°C. Relative humidity levels also fluctuated, with the IMD’s Altinho station recording 63% at 8.30am.
The mean sea level pressure varied between the two locations. The IMD Altinho station reported a lower pressure of 1,007.5hPa at 5.30pm. On Monday, Panaji recorded a maximum temperature of 34°C, while Mormugao reached 36.1°C.
