The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended a yellow alert for hot and humid weather in Panaji through October 13 after the city recorded a maximum temperature of 36.6°C, or 5.1°C above normal, prompting advice for residents to limit exposure during afternoon hours.
The alert was also issued for October 12. The IMD classifies hot and humid weather as a condition in which the maximum temperature is at least 3°C above normal and humidity remains above normal. The department has advised people to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and reduce time spent in direct sunlight during the afternoon.
Panaji’s minimum temperature was recorded at 25°C, which was 0.7°C above normal. Mormugao recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8°C, 4.5°C above normal, while its minimum temperature was 24.4°C, or 0.3°C below normal.
Relative humidity in Panaji was 59%, which was 21 percentage points below normal, according to IMD data. Mormugao recorded relative humidity of 74%, 12 percentage points below normal. The combination of elevated temperatures and humid conditions is the basis for the department’s hot-weather warning.
The alert comes as the southwest monsoon continues to withdraw from parts of the country. The latest IMD update said conditions were becoming favourable for further withdrawal from parts of eastern India, the northern peninsula and large parts of northeast India over the next two days.
The withdrawal line currently passes through Supaul, Ranchi, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Bijapur, Hyderabad, Belagavi and Panaji, among other locations. The line marks the advancing boundary of the southwest monsoon’s retreat.
For residents, the immediate precautions outlined by the weather department include maintaining hydration, choosing light clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. The yellow alert remains in effect for October 13.
