Feel the chill and bundle up for a few more weeks
Brace for the mildly cool conditions to continue over the next couple of weeks in the Western Province, weather watchers say.
Meanwhile, in the central highlands, the cool weather could cause crop damage, they say.
Weather professionals define mildly cool weather as temperatures between 18 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius, while cool weather is between 13 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius. The Department of Meteorology said temperatures in Colombo and Galle would fluctuate between 25 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, while in Kandy the mercury would dip to between 20 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celcius.
In Anuradhapuram, the maximum temperature would be 29 degrees Celcius, while in Batticaloa the forecast is for 26 degrees Celcius. Jaffna would be hot, where temperatures would range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.
Weather forecasters attribute the mildly cool temerature to winds from the Northern Hemisphere as well as from the Bay of Bengal.
In Nuwara Eliya, the mercury has dipped to 16 degrees Celsius, Department of Meteorology Director General, Lalith Chandrapala, said adding that temperatures would drop further at dawn and at night. Heavy mist is forecast in Nuwara Eliya, the Horton Plains and surrounding areas.
“This weather will prevail because there is no cloud formation over the country, which results in radiation cooling, fog formation and, in the extreme, water that remains will be saved for agriculture also, he said, since a food shortage is being feared. “Our plan is to dig cultivation wells and provide tube wells for farmers, while releasing water for farmlands.''
He said Disaster Management officials have been asked to supply drinking water by using the 400 water tankers they have and 4,000 mobile tanks.
He said Colombo will not face a water shortage considering the high levels of water in the Kelani River. But he warned that the water will be salty because sea water is flowing into the river.
The Deputy Director of the Disaster Management Center, Pradeep Kodippili, said the water conservation message is being promoted. He warned that a food shortage will follow the drought.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board Chairman, K A Ansar, said that an educational programme will be launched via print and electronic media to spread the water conservation message. “We are already facing difficulties to provide water to elevated areas and interior areas,” he said.
Ansar said 1,000 tube wells will be dug, while 400 tube wells island wide will be repaired.
He advised that the waters of the Kalu Ganga should not be used for drinking since sea water has contaminated the river. “We have water tanks and water tankers to provide drinking water,” he assured.
An official from the Ministry of Power and Energy Ministry, said that all hydro-power plants would be shut frost formation,'' he said. He expects Nuwara Eliya to feel the chill for the next four to five days. “It is not an unusual experience during December and January.''
As for April, the inter-monsoonal period, he predicts evening thunder showers and warmer weather in Nuwara Eliya.
Central Province Agriculture Department Deputy Director Mrs. K. Seneviratne said, extreme weather in the district had damaged crops in some locations in the Ragala-Nuwara Eliya area. She said 30 acres of leeks, beetroot, carrot, potatoes and lettuce cultivation were badly affected in Kandapola, Galpalama and Aluthpara.
She said cultivations suffer frost damage, suggesting that farmers water their crop in the early mornings to minimise damage casued by sunlight.
In Nuwara Eliya, an official from the District Secretary's office said beggars are among the most severely affected by the cool temperatures.
Nuwara Eliya General Hospital, Director, Dr. Anura Jayasekera, said the chill had an adverse impact on those with asthma and the elderly suffering heart disease. If the temperature were to drop below zero, blood-related diseases, headaches and muscle cramps could also occur, he cautioned. He advises that infants be bundled up for warmth and that the elderly and those who are pregnant also keep themselves warm.
Meanwhile, incessant rains have compelled Udawalawe irrigation engineers to open five spill gates of the Udawalawe reservoir in Hambantota to almost two feet, releasing about 16,600 cubic feet of water into the Walawe River.