Goa: Climate | Goa State PSC (GPSC) Preparation - GPSC (Goa) PDF Download

Climate of Goa

• Climate Type: Goa has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by warmth and humidity year-round.
• Temperature Range: Temperatures vary from 20°C to 34°C.
• Diurnal Temperature Range: Temperature variation between day and night is minimal, ranging from 4 to 6°C during the monsoon season, and increases to 10 to 20°C during December and January.
• Temperature Extremes: The highest temperatures occur in the premonsoon months of April and May, while the lowest are in January.
• Humidity: Due to Goa's proximity to the Arabian Sea, humidity remains high throughout the year, varying from 60% to 90%.
• Rainfall: Goa receives substantial rainfall from the Southwest monsoon between June and September, with an average annual rainfall of about 3200 mm.
• Rainfall Distribution: Rainfall increases from the coast to the Western Ghats, from about 2500 mm to over 4500 mm. Over 90% of the rainfall occurs during the monsoon months, with Valpoi and Sanguem receiving the highest amounts.
• Seasonal Variation: July experiences the highest rainfall, which then gradually decreases in subsequent monsoon months. The low-lying coastal areas receive the least rainfall, while the inland hilly areas receive the most.
• Groundwater Recharge: Rainfall is crucial for groundwater recharge in Goa.
• Regional Trends: While the contribution of July rainfall is decreasing in central and west peninsular India, it has increased in the northeastern parts of the country.
• General Temperature: Goa’s tropical weather results in temperatures staying relatively constant between 24°C to 29°C throughout the year. However, in May, temperatures can exceed 33°C.
• Monsoon Effect: The monsoon season from June to September brings lush greenery to Goa.

Weather Pattern in Goa

Temperature and Rainfall in Climate of Goa

• Monsoon: From July to the end of September, with approximately 26 inches of rainfall.
• Winter: From late November to mid-February, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C to a maximum of 11°C.
• Summer: From mid-March to the end of June, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C to a maximum of 45°C.

Agro-climatic zone of Climate of Goa 

• An “Agro-climatic zone” is defined as a land unit characterized by its major climate types, which determines its suitability for various crops and cultivars. 
• The goal of planning within these zones is to manage regional resources scientifically to produce food, fiber, fodder, and fuel wood while maintaining the sustainability of natural resources and the environment. This approach aims to optimize crop yield while preserving ecological balance (FAO, 1983).

Classification by Planning Commission

Climate Change Impacts in Goa (Study in 2016)

• Climate change has wide-ranging effects, influencing various aspects of human life.
• It impacts water resources, forests, agriculture, power generation, infrastructure, tourism, and human health.
• The severity of global climate change impacts can be mitigated by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Effects vary by location; inadequate rain can lead to water scarcity in some areas, while excessive rainfall can cause flooding elsewhere.
• Elevated temperatures can harm crops and have implications for human and animal well-being.
• Climate Change in Goa:
  • Goa has been experiencing noticeable changes in its weather patterns over time.
  • A study by TERI in 2014 on 'Climate Resilient Infrastructure Services' indicated a rising trend in the mean sea level at Panaji coast.
  • Projections based on 15 climate change models suggest a sea level increase of 0.3mm/year by 2100.
  • Geographically, Goa's positioning with the Arabian Sea to the West and the elevated Western Ghats to the East creates a unique weather pattern for the region.
• Monsoon Rainfall Trends:
  • An IMD analysis spanning 100 years revealed an upward trend in monsoon rainfall in Goa.
  • In June 2016, Goa received the highest rainfall in India during the pre-monsoon and Southwest Monsoon periods.
  • During a 30-day period, Goa received 1,216 mm of rainfall on average, surpassing Kerala's 595.70 mm.
  • Goa experienced approximately 35% above-normal rainfall in 2016, the highest for June in the past six years.