• Rainfall reduction, changes in wind patterns after 15 May

Sri Lanka is expected to face developing El Niño conditions during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, according to the Meteorology Department. The Director General of the Department, Athula Karunanayake stated that the southwest monsoon period, which runs from this month (May) to September, is likely to be influenced by gradually strengthening El Niño conditions from May onwards. 

He noted that due to this development, a reduction in the southwest monsoon rainfall is expected, along with changes in the prevailing wind patterns after 15 May, in line with the monsoon season. Karunanayake further explained that during such conditions, less rainfall in the southwestern region is likely with a possibility of the reduction in lightning activity. He added that gradual rainfall could also help ease rising temperatures over time.