PANAJI
While temperatures in Goa remain lower than those in North and Central India’s heat-belt cities, the coastal State is witnessing some of the country’s harshest ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels, with weather trackers placing Goa in the “very high” category on Saturday and forecasting “extreme” UV exposure later in the coming week.
Data from multiple weather platforms, including Weather & Radar and The Weather Network, showed Goa’s UV index touching 9 to 10 on Saturday “ levels categorised as “very high” and capable of causing skin damage within minutes of prolonged exposure.
The comparison has thrown up an unusual contrast: while cities such as Bhopal, Rajasthan centres and Delhi are battling much higher temperatures, Goa’s UV intensity is matching or even surpassing several of them despite relatively lower maximum temperatures.
According to Weather & Radar data for Panaji, the UV index rose sharply from a low level of 2 at 8 am to 7 by 10 am before climbing to 9 between 11 am and noon. It gradually dropped thereafter, falling to 5 and then 3 by afternoon.
Forecasts indicate Goa may remain in the “very high” red category from Sunday through Wednesday, with Thursday likely to witness “extreme” UV exposure at index 12 “ the highest warning band marked in purple. The most intense exposure window is expected between 10 am and 1 pm. On Saturday, Goa recorded a maximum temperature of around 36 °C, though the “feels like” temperature reportedly touched nearly 47.1°C due to humidity. Temperatures are expected to hover around 34-35 °C over the coming week.
What has made the Goa readings stand out is the comparison with traditionally hotter inland cities.
Delhi, where temperatures routinely soar during May, recorded a UV index of 6 (“high”) on Saturday on Weather & Radar data, while forecasts from Sunday to Tuesday would largely remain in the “moderate” range of 3 to 4. The capital is expected to rise to “high” on Wednesday before touching the “extreme” category on Thursday.
However, The Weather Network simultaneously showed Delhi already touching “very high” UV levels at 9 on Saturday, with “extreme” conditions forecast for the next four days.
In Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal and nearby areas also reported severe UV conditions. The Weather Network showed UV level of 10 (“very high”) and a daily peak of 11 (“extreme”) around 11 am on Saturday. Weather & Radar data showed Bhopal remaining in the “very high” category from 10 am to 1 pm before easing later in the day. The city recorded a maximum temperature of around 40 °C.
Mumbai too experienced “very high” UV radiation from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday despite temperatures remaining around 37 °C. Forecasts suggested the city will continue facing “very high” UV exposure till Wednesday before entering the “extreme” band on Thursday. The Weather Network recorded Mumbai’s UV level at 10 on Saturday morning with a daily peak forecast of 12.
Kochi, however, appeared comparatively safer than Goa in terms of UV exposure. Weather & Radar data showed Kerala’s coastal city remaining in the “moderate” to “high” range for much of the day, before slipping to “low” levels later. Forecasts for Sunday indicated only a brief “very high” UV period around midday, unlike Goa where elevated UV levels are expected to persist for longer hours.
Even parts of Rajasthan, despite temperatures likely to touch 42 °C, showed narrower windows of intense UV exposure compared to Goa. Weather trackers indicated “very high” UV conditions mainly between 11 am and 1 pm, with surrounding hours remaining in the “high” or “moderate” bands till Thursday, when “extreme” levels are expected there as well.
Meteorologists state that UV intensity is not determined by temperature alone and is influenced by factors such as solar angle, cloud cover, atmospheric conditions, coastal reflection and humidity.
