• Current warm weather to continue till mid-late-May

The Meteorology Department has indicated that an El Niño event during the southwest (SW) monsoon season could result in drought conditions extending through September.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (9) at the Government Information Department, the Additional Director General of the Department Ajith Wijemanna stressed the need for proactive water management under such circumstances. He noted that both drinking water supplies and irrigation systems should be carefully managed to mitigate potential shortages.

Wijemanna stated that the prevailing high temperatures in the country are expected to continue throughout this month (April). “We anticipate that the warm weather will persist for the remainder of this month, with minor fluctuations continuing for approximately two to three weeks into the next month (May). The southwest monsoon is expected to commence around 20 April, which will provide some relief from the current heat. However, the current severe conditions are likely to subside significantly only after the third week of May,” he said.

He further explained that if an El Niño event occurs during the southwest monsoon, rainfall during June, July, and August is expected to be below average, potentially extending the drought conditions through September. “This situation underscores the importance of comprehensive water management across all sectors, particularly for drinking water and irrigation systems,” Wijemanna added.

A warm weather advisory has meanwhile been issued for today (10) for residents of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-Western, Northern and North-Central Provinces and the Monaragala District, Uva Province. Accordingly, the heat index, the temperature felt by the human body, is likely to increase up to the ‘caution level’ at some places in the said Provinces and the said District today. The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and the maximum temperature, and this is the condition that is felt on one’s body, according to the Met. Department. The Department noted that prolonged exposure to the sun and outdoor activity will result in fatigue, while continuing activity could lead to heat cramps. Therefore, residents have been requested to stay hydrated and to limit strenuous outdoor activities.