The Meteorological Department says the apparent temperature, or the temperature felt by the human body, has risen to levels requiring attention in several parts of the country due to the prevailing dry weather conditions.
Director of the Forecasting Division of the Meteorological Department, Meril Mendis, said adequate rainfall following the current dry spell is expected only in October.
The apparent temperature has risen significantly, particularly in the Eastern Province and in districts such as Monaragala and Polonnaruwa.
The Department has advised people in these areas to wear light clothing when outdoors, take frequent breaks and drink as much water as possible. Special attention should also be given to sick and elderly people.
Meanwhile, although the southwest monsoon is currently active across the country, an overall reduction in rainfall is expected over the next few days.
Today (13), several spells of rain are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, as well as in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Thundershowers may also occur in parts of the Eastern and Uva provinces and in a few locations in the Mullaitivu District.
Moderately strong winds of around 30–40 km/h may occur at times in the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces.
Dry weather is expected to continue in the Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces until September. Although reduced rainfall in these areas is normal during the southwest monsoon season from May to September, the situation could be intensified by El Niño conditions.
Meril Mendis said the country has not yet experienced the peak impact of El Niño this year, but its development could be observed from August. He said there is a more than 80% probability that El Niño will strengthen during November, December and January, with its effects potentially continuing until April next year.
Although rainfall is expected to increase across the country during October, November and December, the Meteorological Department has further warned that rainfall could decrease again during the first quarter of next year due to the influence of El Niño.
