Natural climate pattern set to raise heat

The influence of the El Niño has created the warming that causes changes in atmospheric patterns, leading to a weakening of the monsoon circulation over the region, Dr. Shiromani Jayawardena, director (forecasting) at the Department of Meteorology said.

Sri Lankans should prepare for more intense and frequent heat till the end of May.

Monsoon rains are predicted after June. However, because of El Niño’s lower intensity during the monsoon, hot weather predominates.

“The periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean called El Niño has now set in. Warm water is forced eastward during an El Niño and the winds that normally round the equator slow down, elevating the temperature of the ocean's surface,” she said.

At several locations in the Northern, NorthCentral, and Eastern provinces, as well as the Monaragala and Hambantota districts, the heat index, or the temperature felt on the human body, is anticipated to rise to "caution" level.

As the temperature has risen to about 36 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature recorded from Mullaituvu/ Pottuvil was 35.7 °C; while the minimum recorded in Nuwara Eliya was 14 °C.

However, while the hot weather continues, met officials predict a few showers in the Galle and Matara districts, as well as in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and NorthWestern provinces. Showers, or thundershowers are likely at a few locations in the Eastern and Uva provinces throughout the evening or night.