Sri Lanka is experiencing worsening hot and dry conditions due to the ongoing El Niño weather pattern, affecting water resources, agriculture and hydropower generation.

The Department of Meteorology stated that the El Niño event could continue for up to a year, while NOAA has forecast an 81% chance of a strong El Niño developing between October and December 2026.

Declining water levels in reservoirs and irrigation tanks have raised concerns over farming and electricity generation, with several areas reporting crop damage due to the prolonged dry spell.