Sri Lanka is likely to experience above-normal rainfall during October and November, followed by significantly drier conditions early next year as the ongoing El Niño strengthens, Wijemanne said.

Wijemanne told the media that the El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean had strengthened further over the past month, with the latest global forecasts indicating unusually high sea-surface temperatures across key monitoring regions.

He said Sri Lanka could see relatively low rainfall during the next two weeks of September before rainfall gradually increases towards the end of the month.

“We expect widespread rainfall across the country, with October and November receiving above-normal rainfall,” he said.

Wijemanne  stressed that El Niño does not simply mean drought for Sri Lanka, explaining that its impact varies depending on the country’s monsoon cycle.

He said increased rainfall is expected during the October-November second inter-monsoon period, while rainfall is likely to decline after January.

According to Wijemanne, drier-than-normal conditions could affect many parts of Sri Lanka during January, February, March and possibly April next year, creating a potential risk of water shortages.

He said authorities should therefore use the coming months to prepare for both increased rainfall later this year and possible dry conditions early next year, including through appropriate water management.

Wijemanne said a Cabinet-appointed committee on El Niño is already meeting regularly, bringing together relevant state agencies to assess the developing situation and take necessary precautions.

He added that both daytime and nighttime temperatures in Sri Lanka are also expected to remain relatively high during the El Niño period. (Newswire)

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The Meteorology Department has cautioned that Sri Lanka could face flood situations in October and November as the ongoing El Niño condition intensifies.

Speaking to the media, Director General Ajith Wijemanna said data analysis for the next six months indicates rainfall levels may exceed the seasonal average during this period.

“Normally, 30% of the annual rainfall occurs in these two months. If it increases further, heavy rains could fill reservoirs and sometimes cause floods. By October and November, rain spreads across the whole of Sri Lanka. Heavy rains are possible. It cannot be said that floods will definitely come. But we must be prepared. There is also a possibility,” Wijemanna said.

He added that while floods are not certain, precautionary measures are essential. The Met Department has urged authorities and the public to remain vigilant.

Meanwhile, Wijemanna noted that the El Niño condition is expected to have a strong impact during December, January, and February, potentially bringing further extreme weather. (Newswire)

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