NT Reporter
Panaji
Panaji woke up to a cold morning on Monday as the minimum temperature dipped to 19.0°C, marking the lowest of the season and settling 3.6°C below normal for this time of the year.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the sudden chill was triggered by westerly to easterly winds prevailing in the lower levels of the atmosphere, which enhanced night-time cooling across Goa.
The falling temperatures over the past week clearly signalled this developing cold spell. Data from the IMD has shown a consistent downward slide in Panaji’s minimum temperature since early November.
On November 8, the city recorded a mild 23.4°C, close to the seasonal norm. This dropped slightly to 22.5°C on November 9, and further to 20.6°C on November 10.
By November 11, the temperature dipped again to 20.2°C, followed by 20.6°C on November 12. The trend continued on November 13 with 21.8°C and 22.2°C on November 14, briefly rising but still below the typical November average of 22.7°C.
This gradual cooling set the stage for Monday’s plunge to 19°C, marking a notable deviation from the usual mid-November pattern.
A look at historical extremes shows that minimum temperature has occasionally dipped to similar levels in past in Panaji during November.
In the last 15 years, minimum temperatures around 19°C were recorded in November 12, 2020 and November 11, 2016, each linked to stable atmospheric conditions and dry continental winds. While exceptionally low temperatures like 17.8°C in 2012 remain rare, readings below 20°C typically indicate a marked shift in regional wind flow and clear overnight skies—conditions consistent with the current weather setup.
Climatologically, November is a transition month for Goa. With the monsoon long withdrawn and humidity declining, the atmosphere becomes more favourable for night-time cooling.
Monday’s chilly morning underscores this seasonal shift, arriving slightly earlier and sharper than usual.
With the IMD expecting similar wind patterns and clear skies through the week, residents can anticipate a continuation of cool, crisp mornings offering Panaji an early taste of its brief but refreshing winter season.
