PANAJI: The effects of global warming are being felt in Goa as the state is getting warmer. The average day temperatures have increased by 1.5 degrees Celsius in the last three years. The state has also received 181 cm of rainfall this month, which is 20 cm more than the normal quota of rains for July.

This year, the state witnessed the hottest April in the last 39 years. The hottest April was last witnessed in 1971, which had recorded temperature of 34.5 degrees as against 36.4 degrees, this year. The warmest day was recorded way back in 1989 which recorded temperature of 39.9 degrees.
The meteorologist of the Goa meteorological observatory, Mr K V Singh informed that there has been a considerable increase in temperatures in the last couple of years. He informed that the mean average temperatures during April, 2010 were 34.5 degrees Celsius as against the normal temperature of 33.4 degrees Celsius in 2008 and 34.3 degrees Celsius in 2009.
He said similarly in May too the temperatures crossed 35-degree Celsius mark as the normal temperature is 33.4 degrees Celsius. He said that in 2008 the average temperature in May was 34.3, while in 2009 it crossed 35.1 degrees Celsius.
Similarly, in June the normal temperature is 30.4 degrees Celsius.
In 2007, the meteorological department recorded average temperatures at 30.4 degrees Celsius for June, in 2008 the temperature were  at 20.08 degrees Celsius, in 2009 the temperatures rose to 31.2 degrees Celsius while 2010 the temperatures touched 31.8 degrees Celsius.
He said that there has been an increase in temperatures during the winter months of November, December and January and added that the rise in temperatures could be attributed to global warming and other factors.
According to Mr Singh, Goa has received 181 cm of rain this monsoon, while the state receives around 285 cm of rain annually. Last year, the Goa had received 310.15 cm of rain. He said that this year the state has received 20 cm more than the normal and added that the quota of July monsoon has already been completed.
Informing that the monsoons are likely to weaken for a few days, Mr Singh said the state may witness spells of showers accompanied with gusty winds. He said the fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea as intensity of sea winds has increased.
The meteorologist said the Ghat areas, however, may witness heavy rains.
He informed that Mapusa witnessed 24.2 cm of rain on July 21, the highest amount of rain on a single day, while Panaji and Margao received 23.6 cm and 22 cm of rain on June 26.
He said that so far Mapusa has received 1807 mm of rain, Pernem (2041) Ponda (1680.4) Panaji (1809.2) Valpoi (1803) Canacona (1903.01) Dabolim (1537.8) Margao (1802.5) Mormugao (1741.8) Quepem (1508.4) and Sanguem (1740.5) respectively.