Sri Lanka is expected to experience higher temperatures and reduced rainfall in the coming months as the El Niño climate phenomenon continues, prompting authorities to urge the public to conserve both water and electricity.
Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Ajith Wijemanna, said El Niño is likely to persist for another eight to 10 months, potentially lasting until March or April 2027. He noted that global forecasts indicate the phenomenon is expected to strengthen between October and December before gradually weakening during the first quarter of next year.
According to Wijemanna, a slight increase in rainfall is expected over the next few days in the Sabaragamuwa, Western and North Western provinces, as well as the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Relatively heavier showers are forecast for July 29.
Despite the expected rainfall in some areas, the Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces, together with the Hambantota District, are likely to experience predominantly hot and dry weather through the end of July and into early August.
He said temperatures in Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa have already exceeded 35°C and are expected to increase further in the coming days.
The Department of Meteorology has advised the public to avoid prolonged outdoor activities between 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m., when solar radiation is at its strongest. People have also been encouraged to remain in shaded areas where possible, drink adequate amounts of water, and take extra precautions for young children and individuals suffering from non-communicable diseases.
Wijemanna said rainfall expected during late September and October could improve water levels in reservoirs, but stressed the importance of careful water management to maintain adequate supplies during the first quarter of next year.
He also cautioned that low-pressure systems or cyclones developing over the Bay of Bengal between October and December could result in heavier-than-normal rainfall in parts of the country.
With the onset of the northeast monsoon in December, northern and eastern Sri Lanka could face a risk of flooding, although Wijemanna noted that it is too early to make a definitive forecast.
Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department, the Mahaweli Authority and the Office of the Water Management Secretariat have begun preparing water management measures amid concerns that below-normal rainfall during August and early September could reduce water levels in reservoirs and other water sources.
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