PANAJI: Easterly winds blowing into Goa have increased the temperature causing sudden wave of heat across the State. The sudden rise in mercury in Goa since the past two weeks has brought a sense of uneasiness with the maximum temperature hovering at 37 degrees. While the day temperature will remain at 33 night temperatures are expected to rise by 2 degrees, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Altinho on Tuesday informed.
The maximum temperature in Panaji recorded as on Tuesday was 32.6 degree Celsius while, the minimum temperature was at 22.4 degree Celsius.For the last 15 days, Goa has been witnessing easterly winds blowing into the State thus making the air over its surface warmer. Weak circulation over Bay of Bengal and coastal Andhra Pradesh winds over Goa region has resulted in increase of temperature.
February is the transition month from winter to summer so temperatures are expected to rise during this month. According to IMD, it is not totally abnormal as in the past 50 years, 62 times in February month maximum temperature has touched 36 degrees. Highest ever maximum temperature recorded on a day in February at Panaji is 39.2 in the year 2009.
In 1999, 2006 and 2009 there were more than five days in February which recorded 36 degrees or more.