Highlights

Predictions: From 7 – 13 Apr, the US NOAA Climate Prediction Center predicts that the rainfall shall increase throughout SL. During this period, Western Hills & Plains are predicted to receive rainfall ranging from 25-35 mm. From 8 – 14 Apr, wind speeds are predicted to be 1-2 m/s.
 
Monitoring: Rainfall picked up during the first week of April following the relatively dry conditions in March. During 31 Mar – 7 Apr, the average daily rainfall was 3 mm, a higher rainfall compared to the previous week – 0.2 mm. The highest daily rainfall was in Anuradhapura – 49 mm on 4 Apr, Vavuniya – 34 mm on 2 Apr and Badulla – 32 mm on 3 Apr. During 30 Mar – 5 Apr, winds were from Northeast with 1–3 m/s. Overall the temperature was typical for April across SL. The Southern plains had an average maximum temperature of 33.3°C. The Western Hills had an average minimum temperature of 17.8°C.
 

Rainfall Prediction: From 7 – 13 Apr, rainfall is predicted to increase throughout SL: 25-35 mm is predicted for the Western Hills & Western Plains; 15-25 mm is predicted for the rest of SL. From 14 – 20 Apr, rainfall shall continue to increase: 25-35 mm is predicted for the Western Hills & Plains, 15-25 mm is predicted for the rest of SL. (Source: NOAA CPC)

Monitored Rainfall: Rainfall picked up during the first week of April following the relatively dry conditions in March. During 31 Mar – 7 Apr, the average daily rainfall was 3 mm, a higher rainfall compared to the previous week – 0.2 mm. The highest daily rainfall was in Anuradhapura – 49 mm on 4 Apr, Vavuniya – 34 mm on 2 Apr and Badulla – 32 mm on 3 Apr.

 
Monitored Land & Sea Temperature: During 31 Mar – 7 Apr, maximum average temp in SL was 32.8°C, lower compared to the previous week – 33.3°C. Eastern Hills had the lowest temperatures – 28.5°C. The sea surface temperature around Western and Northern coasts was above the seasonal average by 1°C – 1.5°C, while it was above the seasonal average by 0.5°C – 1.0°C around the other coasts.
 

Monitored & Predicted Wind:During 31 Mar – 7 Apr, maximum average temp in SL was 32.8°C, lower compared to the previous week – 33.3°C. Eastern Hills had the lowest temperatures – 28.5°C. The sea surface temperature around Western and Northern coasts was above the seasonal average by 1°C – 1.5°C, while it was above the seasonal average by 0.5°C – 1.0°C around the other coasts.



Terminology for Rainfall Ranges

TerminologyRainfall (mm/week)
Light ShowersLess than 12.5 mm
Light to ModerateBetween 12.5 mm and 25 mm
ModerateBetween 25 mm and 50 mm
Fairly HeavyBetween 50 mm and 100 mm
HeavyBetween 100 mm and 150 mm
Very HeavyMore than 150 mm