Sri Lanka has recently experienced temperatures approaching historical highs, with some areas nearing the 40°C mark, meteorologist Malith Fernando of the Department of Meteorology has said.
Fernando said Sri Lanka’s highest recorded temperature stands at 40.1°C, recorded in Vavuniya in April 1983.
He noted that Pottuvil recently recorded 39.9°C, just 0.2°C below that record, while temperatures in Polonnaruwa have also climbed above 37°C.
“These figures are getting very close to 40°C,” Fernando said, noting that future temperatures could potentially surpass the longstanding 1983 record.
Referring to rainfall projections, Fernando said August is expected to see below-normal rainfall in several parts of the country. The southwestern regions could receive around normal rainfall, while other areas are expected to experience below-normal conditions.
However, the outlook could change by October, with forecasts indicating above-normal rainfall across much of Sri Lanka.
Fernando said it was therefore difficult to give a straightforward answer on whether Sri Lanka would experience drought or flooding, as changing climatic conditions could increase the likelihood of drought during certain periods and flooding during others.
He also clarified that Sri Lanka does not independently forecast or monitor El Niño conditions.
According to Fernando, global El Niño forecasts are produced by a limited number of international agencies, while Sri Lankan meteorologists use those projections together with historical local data to assess the possible impact on the country. (Newswire)