MAPUSA
Recent thunderstorms in Goa, occurring well past the pre-monsoon phase, have been deemed "unusual" by scientists, who warn that such events may become more frequent in the future.
Experts suggest that these changes could be linked to the broader effects of climate change.
“The incidents of thunderstorms we are witnessing are unusual,” stated Dr A K Saran, Senior Principal Scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
“Previously, such events were common in the northeastern region of Assam. Now, they are occurring along the western coast of India, including Goa, the Konkan coast, Karnataka, and Kerala.”
Dr Saran explained that changes in cloud and wind patterns over time are likely due to the impacts of climate change.
Dr Ramesh Kumar, a former meteorologist with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and a scientist at NIO, also highlighted the abnormality of these weather events.
“Typically, thunder and lightning occur during the pre-monsoon months of March, April, and May, or the post-monsoon months of October, November, and December. It is unusual to see an increase in thunderstorms during the monsoon season,” he said.
The scientists' observations point to a potential shift in weather patterns, which could have significant implications for the region.
As Goa continues to experience these unexpected thunderstorms, there is a growing recognition of the need to understand and address the underlying causes linked to climate change.
