The heat is on and will remain so with patchy relief
As many locations around the world have set all time heat records this summer, Sri Lanka is also seeing an increase in warm weather that will continue for another month or two, say local weather experts.
Warm and humid days and uncomfortable nights are to continue till about September, with little relief from strong winds blowing South-Westerly.
The North and East, and parts of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Moneragala and Kurunegala will continue to experience drought, while other parts, except the highlands, will experience hot and humid climate due to moisture in the atmosphere.
“Sri Lanka has not yet recorded heat wave phenomena. However, due to global warming the temperatures are high, as well as showing extreme weather such as prolonged drought and heavy short term rainfall,” warned Meteorology Department Chief S. Premalal.
With July and August being the two hottest months of the year, urban and suburban areas will have hot days and nights, while rural areas will have less warmer nights.
“As warm air is trapped within the cities, night discomfort will continue. Heavy rainfall along with a drop in temperature is expected after October,” he said.
Highest temperature recorded last week was between 36-37 degrees in Moneragala, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa areas.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology (DoM) forecast the possibility of light rains in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Western and Southern Provinces. This means the combination of moisture from rain cloud formation and hot climate is resulting in high humidity in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Ratnapura Districts. "People in these areas will experience sweat, discomfort and extreme thirst due to high humidity levels," Mr. Premalal said.
He said from this year, the DoM is monitoring hot temperatures and issuing heat weather warnings, while increasing awareness about measures to prevent heat related illnesses such as heat rashes to heat exhaustion and dehydration, with support from the Health Ministry.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kurunegala Districts and parts of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Ampara are experiencing severe drought which has been continuing throughout this year.
Though our country will not be directly impacted by the global heat wave, rising global temperatures will result in extreme warm weather from March to May as well as July and August, with the possibility of temperatures going up to about 42 degrees, with prolonged droughts continuing to affect the agricultural sector.
While State authorities should take measures to preserve rainwater, especially in agricultural Districts, and introduce strict measures against deforestation, the public should ensure their houses are better ventilated and prepare for a warmer future.