Media Center
Climate Bulletin for Sri Lanka (Week of 14 June – 21 June 2024)
Highlights
Rainfall Prediction: High likelihood of moderate rainfall (25 – 50 mm) is predicted for the North Western, Western, Central, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and less rainfall is predicted for the rest during 12 – 18 June.
Monitored Rainfall: On average 2.4 mm was received in SL and for the hydro- catchment was 3.1 mm during 5 – 12 June. Highest daily rainfall was in Kirindiwela on 8 June and Moraliya Oya on 9 June (80 mm).
Monitored and Predicted Wind: From 29 May – 4 June, winds at 850mb (1.5km) north westerly, reaching up to 10 m/s. From 13 – 19 June, winds are predicted to be north westerly to south westerly, reaching up to 15 m/s.
Monitored Sea and Land Temperature: Average land surface temperature was 31.5oC in the last week with warmer anomalies from seasonal average of +1oC to +3oC. Sea surface temperature around Sri Lanka was 0.25 – 1.0oC above normal.
Interpretation
Monitoring
Rainfall: During the last two weeks, there had been fairly heavy rainfall over the following areas: Kirindiwela (Gampaha), Moraliya Oya (Kegalle). Daily Average Rainfall in the Met stations for previous week of (5th June – 12th June) = 2.4 mm. Maximum Daily Rainfall: 49.1 mm & Minimum Daily Rainfall: 0.0 mm.
Wind: North westerly winds prevailed in the sea area and around the island last week.
Temperatures: The temperature anomalies were above normal for some parts of the Central and Uva provinces and below normal for some parts of the Eastern province driven by the warm SST’s.
Prediction
Rainfall: During the next week (12th June – 18th June), moderate rainfall (25 – 50 mm) is predicted for the North Western, Western, Central, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and less rainfall is predicted for the rest.
Temperatures: The temperature will remain above normal for the Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva provinces during 13th June – 19th June.
Teleconnections: MJO shall significantly suppress the rainfall during 12th June – 26th June for Sri Lanka.
Seasonal Precipitation: The precipitation forecast for the June-July-August, 2024 season shows a 50% or more tendency toward above normal precipitation for the country.
Terminology for Rainfall Ranges
| Rainfall | |
| Light Showers | Less than 12.5 mm |
| Light to Moderate | Between 12.5 mm and 25 mm |
| Moderate | Between 25 mm and 50 mm |
| Fairly Heavy | Between 50 mm and 100 mm |
| Heavy | Between 100 mm and 150 mm |
| Very Heavy | More than 150 mm |
