Goa Records Heavy Rainfall as Arabian Sea Depression Brings Widespread Showers
Goa witnessed intense and widespread rainfall over the past 24 hours as a depression formed over the east-central Arabian Sea, passing approximately 380 kilometres off the Goa coast. The system, moving northeastward at a speed of 25 km per hour, triggered extremely heavy rain in southern and central parts of the state, resembling the peak monsoon months of July.
Very Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Goa
According to official data, Canacona recorded 142.2mm, Mormugao 104.8mm, and Panaji close to 90mm of rainfall between Friday morning and Saturday morning. Other regions also experienced significant downpours, including Dabolim (82.8mm), Mapusa (79.2mm), Dharbandora (74.6mm), Quepem (70.4mm), and Ponda (70mm).
Even traditionally moderate rainfall zones such as Old Goa (63.4mm), Sanquelim (50.6mm), and Pernem (43.8mm) received heavy to moderate showers, contributing to a sharp rise in overall precipitation levels.
Rain Surplus After Weeks of Deficit
On Saturday morning, the post-monsoon rainfall total for Goa stood at 185.4mm, compared to the normal seasonal value of 146.6mm, marking a surplus of 26.5%. This comes as a relief for farmers and communities that had been experiencing a 40% rainfall deficit earlier this month.
Experts from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) confirmed that the latest spell has brought Goa’s rainfall levels well above the seasonal average. M.R. Ramesh Kumar, retired chief scientist at NIO, described the situation as “extreme rainfall by post-monsoon parameters.”
Weather System Moving Northeastward
The depression over the Arabian Sea, initially located near the southeast region, extended northeastwards over the weekend, maintaining steady wind speeds and moisture inflow. Meteorologists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa have classified this phase as one of the strongest post-monsoon rain events of 2025.
The IMD has issued advisories for fishermen and coastal residents, warning of rough sea conditions and gusty winds. Residents have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea and to remain alert to changing weather conditions.
Impact on Daily Life and Agriculture
While the rainfall brought temporary disruptions to outdoor activity and local transport, it also replenished groundwater levels and boosted agricultural prospects in interior talukas. Farmers across Quepem, Dharbandora, and Ponda reported much-needed relief as paddy fields and reservoirs received consistent inflow after weeks of dryness.
Authorities have confirmed that no major flooding incidents have been reported, although drainage systems in Margao and Panaji experienced minor waterlogging due to the intensity of the showers.
A Welcome Turn in Goa’s Post-Monsoon Season
The recent rainfall spell has transformed Goa’s post-monsoon outlook from deficit to surplus within a matter of days. As the Arabian Sea depression moves further northeastward, experts predict that the state may continue to receive light to moderate showers over the next 48 hours before conditions begin to stabilise.
This event underlines the importance of continuous monitoring of post-monsoon weather systems, especially as climate patterns become more unpredictable across India’s western coast.
