• Extreme heat and everyday life in Sri Lanka 

The world is increasingly witnessing the harsh realities of extreme weather – floods, droughts, cyclones, heatwaves, and unpredictable rainfall patterns have become part of daily life across the globe. Much of this can be attributed to the mounting consequences of climate change and Sri Lanka is no exception. 

As a tropical island nation, we are particularly vulnerable to the volatile swings in weather – from searing heatwaves to sudden heavy rainfall and prolonged dry spells to unexpected landslides and flash floods.

Sri Lanka is currently undergoing the Avurudu season, a time traditionally marked by dry weather and light showers. However, this year, many are experiencing intense heat and discomfort as well as unexpectedly heavy showers and thunderstorms. 

These rapid shifts in weather patterns are not just inconvenient; they can be dangerous if we are unprepared. Climate change discourse highlights that weather patterns only stand to grow more unpredictable. In this context, how best can we respond to changing weather? 

The Sunday Morning Brunch reached out to members of the public and meteorological experts to understand how Sri Lankans can better adapt to these changing conditions, safeguard their health and homes, and build resilience in the face of unpredictable climate behaviour.

Current weather patterns and risks

Speaking to Brunch, Department of Meteorology Director General Athula Karunanayake explained that Sri Lanka was currently experiencing the inter-monsoon period, which typically occurred between March and April. While this season usually brings sporadic rainfall, he noted that rain levels this year were not only lower than expected but were also accompanied by a lack of moisture retention.

“We are seeing clear skies in the morning and then extreme sun during the day. The water vapour from the morning moisture does contribute to some cloud formation, but it is insufficient for consistent rain. This leads to isolated thunder showers, particularly in inland areas, which then travel to coastal regions,” he said.

According to Karunanayake, these thunderstorms will likely persist until the middle of April, coinciding with the traditional Avurudu season, which is already known for its sweltering heat. He pointed out that while the recorded temperature may show 30-34°C, the real feel could rise to 39-41°C. 

“Sweat does not evaporate properly due to the high humidity, making you feel much hotter than what the thermometer shows,” he added.

More intense afternoon thundershowers are expected post-Avurudu, typically from late April into May. These downpours may last 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half, often accompanied by strong winds and heavy lightning. Karunanayake warned that this period brought its own dangers, especially for those working outdoors.

“This is when we see the most amount of lightning-related accidents,” he stated. “In rural areas, especially during replanting season, many people are out in open fields, often becoming the tallest objects around – effectively turning themselves into lightning conductors.”

Karunanayake further stressed the importance of taking extra precautions during this time, particularly for farmers and outdoor workers. “Every year, we receive tragic reports of individuals being struck by lightning. It is vital that people understand the risk and avoid being in open fields during thunderstorms,” he added.

This insight from Sri Lanka’s top meteorologist offers a sobering reminder: while the heat and storms of the season may seem routine, the evolving nature of our climate calls for greater awareness, adaptability, and safety preparedness.

How are other countries adapting? 

While the world has made enormous strides in science and technology, extreme weather patterns remain a persistent and sometimes unpredictable challenge. However, certain countries have risen to the occasion with remarkably innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt to these changing climatic realities. 

The examples in the table are just a few of the ingenious and forward-thinking responses cities are embracing around the world. Whether through architectural innovations, urban greening, or climate-responsive infrastructure, these efforts demonstrate the importance of adaptation in the face of a rapidly changing climate. 

For Sri Lanka and similar tropical nations, there is much to learn and adapt from these global strategies, especially as extreme heat and weather become part of our daily lives.

The need for State guidance 

Speaking to Brunch about how they have adapted to the growing challenges posed by changing weather patterns, particularly the combination of extreme heat and humidity, many expressed concern over both the physical toll and the lack of timely public guidance.

Ashila Gomez, a rights activist and climate change enthusiast, shared that the combined effect of heat and humidity on the human body was deeply underestimated. 

“The combination of extreme heat and humidity can compromise the main cooling mechanism of the human body: sweating. The evaporation of sweat from skin cools our bodies, but higher humidity levels limit evaporative cooling.

“As a result, we can suffer heat stress as well as illness, and the consequences can even be fatal. We have seen these dangerous effects in the rising rates of heat-related illness across the country,” she explained.

Gomez added that it was not enough to only monitor air temperature, as it did not paint the full picture. “When it comes to heat, focusing on air temperature alone misses the changes in humidity and underestimates how our warming planet affects our health and weather extremes,” she noted.

She further pointed out the lack of structured public communication when it came to guidance during periods of extreme weather.

“There is a lack of communication from the State, especially the departments responsible for monitoring these weather changes, when it comes to informing people how to take care of themselves. Yes, the internet exists, but many still rely on traditional media for information,” she stated.

However, she acknowledged that in the face of more immediate disaster risks, such as floods or landslides, community-level education was being conducted more effectively.

“Where there are more pressing concerns involving immediate disaster, people are being educated at the grassroots level in a much more hands-on way. But we need that same approach when it comes to longer-term adaptation to heat and climate shifts,” she noted.

Her perspective reflects the growing need for consistent and accessible public messaging, not just during crises, but as part of an ongoing strategy to adapt to the evolving climate realities.

Personal strategies to combat the heat

As for preparing to tackle the heat, many members of the public shared that their strategies were simple and practical – staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and avoiding the outdoors during peak hours of sunlight.

Speaking to Brunch, Awishka Dilshan, who was outdoors on a particularly hot afternoon, emphasised the importance of timing and basic protection. “The heat is not so bad in the night and early mornings. It is really during midday that we have to be careful. People should just carry an umbrella. I suppose most men do not even do that, but something to protect yourself is a good idea,” he stated.

Dilshan’s point highlights a common hesitation among men to use sun protection such as umbrellas, even when temperatures soar. However, with UV levels rising and heat waves becoming more common, simple measures such as carrying an umbrella or wearing a hat are becoming necessary survival tools rather than just aesthetic choices.

He added: “It is also important to drink water even if you are not thirsty. That is what I do now, just to avoid feeling lightheaded when I am outdoors. Small things like that make a big difference.”

With more people adjusting to the realities of climate change in their day-to-day lives, personal adaptation strategies are slowly becoming part of routine conversations, although there is still a long way to go in creating public awareness and institutional support.

City/country 

Strategy

Purpose

Dubai, the UAE

Raining Street – climate-controlled street that rains daily; can produce snow

Man-made weather to combat extreme heat

Seville, Spain

Policy of shade – public awnings; naming heatwaves like hurricanes

Reduces urban heat; raises awareness of heat as a health risk

Sydney, Australia

Planting five million trees by 2030

Expands tree canopy for natural cooling and carbon absorption

Abu Dhabi, the UAE

Al Bahar Towers – dynamic façades that respond to sunlight

Reduces heat gain and enhances interior comfort

Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Green rooftops and ‘Rooftop Walk’ initiative

Cools buildings; creates green public spaces

Medellin, Colombia

30 ‘green corridors’ with native trees and plants

Provides shade, improves air quality and urban biodiversity