Sri Lanka weather changes are expected as weak El Niño conditions affect rainfall, with heavy showers forecast in several provinces.
Sri Lanka weather conditions are expected to shift in the coming days as weak El Niño conditions influence rainfall patterns across the island.
The rainy weather currently affecting the southwestern part of the country is expected to continue throughout this week, the Department of Meteorology has stated.
Director of the Forecasting Division of the Department of Meteorology, Merill Mendis, told BBC Sinhala that a slight reduction in the present rainy conditions can be expected tomorrow, June 23. However, he said rainfall is likely to increase again afterwards.
He also stated that the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, along with the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts, may experience rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres at times.
What Is Driving The Weather Change?
Acting Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Ajith Wijemanne, said a weak El Niño condition has developed around Sri Lanka.
“A weak El Niño condition has been affecting the island these days. Also, globally, the El Niño condition has had some impact. We expect this El Niño condition to affect the island as a moderate and strong condition. This impact has not yet directly affected the island,” he explained.
The Acting Director General also said the weak El Niño condition prevailing around the island is likely to reduce rainfall over the western slopes of the central highlands.
“This El Niño condition is showing a slight decrease in rainfall in the western slopes of the central highlands. Now, the monsoon wind flow is gradually showing some reduction,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to rainfall figures released by the Department of Meteorology today, June 22, the highest rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours was 110 millimetres at Wogan Estate in Galle.
Rainfall Expected To Ease From July
Acting Director General Ajith Wijemanne further stated that the rainy weather affecting the southwestern part of Sri Lanka is expected to gradually weaken in about two weeks.
“There will be intermittent rain like this in the coming days as well. After about a week or two, this rain will decrease. With the impact of this El Niño phenomenon, we expect rainfall to decrease in July and August.
“The El Niño condition has now started affecting us. It will decrease significantly in August. Also, by October-November, we may experience rainfall above the normally expected level.
“Also, in the first quarter of next year, due to the impact of the El Niño condition, we can expect dry and hot weather conditions,” he further stated.
