PANJIM: The cyclone Nilofar, which is set to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours hung over west central and adjoining southwest Arabian Sea and moved slightly northwards and lay centred at 5.30 pm of Sunday about 1240 km southwest of Naliya (Gujarat), 1300 km south-southwest of Karachi (Pakistan) and 900 km east-southeast of Salalah (Oman).
It would then move initially north-northwestwards during next 48 hrs and then recurve northeastwards towards north Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coast during the subsequent 72 hrs.
There would be isolated heavy to very heavy falls along coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch from October 30 morning. Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph would commence along and off Gujarat coast from October 30th morning.
Meanwhile, Goa was hit by heavy to very heavy rainfall on Sunday with the rain expected to continue on Monday. Heavy rain will also occur at isolated places on Tuesday.
The Indian Meteorological Department, Goa has advised fishermen not to venture into sea during next 24 hours as off-shore winds with speeds 45 to 50 kmph occasionally reaching 55 kmph, mainly from easterly direction are likely along Goa coast. The sea will be rough with mainly easterly waves.
Today’s rainfall occurred at most places in Goa. Margao especially reported an exceptionally very heavy
rainfall of 29 cm. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was reported in Mapusa, Panjim & Mormugao-14 each, Ponda & Ela(AWS)-12 each, Sankhali, Dabolm & Quepem-11 each, Sanguem -10 and Pernem-8 Valpoi recorded 6 cm and Canacona 2 cm.
Maximum and minimum temperatures were markedly below normal in north Goa. Highest maximum temperature of 26.80 C and lowest minimum temperature of 20.6 degree Celcius were reported in Panjim. This is a departure of -6 as far as maximum temperatures goes and – 3 as far a minimum temperatures goes.