Panaji: Parts of Goa continued to endure sweltering conditions as minimum temperatures once again touched 29°C, this time in Mormugao on Thursday night. This marks the third occasion this month that the minimum temperature has crossed the 29°C threshold.
Temperature Monitoring in Goa
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Panaji, records day and night temperatures only in Panaji and Mormugao. Temperatures are expected to be higher in hinterland areas, away from the cooling influence of the sea breeze.
Warmest Nights of the Season
The highest minimum temperature recorded this summer was 29.2°C in Panaji on May 23, which is about 2.2°C above normal. While this ranks among Goa’s warmest nights, the record remains 29.8°C set on May 23, 2023. Panaji had earlier recorded a minimum of 29°C on May 11. The first half of May also saw daytime temperatures near 36°C on most days, with nights around 28°C, making it one of the hottest spells in decades.
Expert Analysis on Rising Temperatures
“There is hardly any record of temperatures rising persistently during both day and night in a single season,” said M R Ramesh Kumar, retired chief scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). He described the rise in minimum temperatures in Mormugao and Panaji as “alarming” and attributed it to climate change. Kumar linked the trend to urbanization, the heat island effect, higher humidity, and increased solar radiation.
Previous Warm Nights in April
Warm nights were also recorded in April, with IMD logging minimum temperatures of 28.6°C on April 29 and 28.4°C on April 27. In Mormugao, the hot and humid night was followed by a sultry day. The IMD recorded a maximum of 34.8°C on Friday, nearly 2°C above normal.
Implications for Residents
The persistent heat has raised concerns about public health and energy demand, as residents rely heavily on cooling systems. Authorities advise staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
