Media Center
Climate Bulletin for Sri Lanka (Week of 19 January – 26 January 2024)
Highlights
Rainfall Prediction: High likelihood of moderate rainfall (25 – 50 mm) is predicted for Sabaragamuwa province and less rainfall (≤ 20 mm) is predicted for rest of the country during 19 – 25 Jan.
Monitored Rainfall: During the last week, average daily rainfall over Sri Lanka was 4.6 mm and hydro catchment was 2.1 mm. Maximum average daily rainfall was 39 mm on 8 Jan and 35 mm on 10 Jan.
Monitored and Predicted Wind: From 8 – 14 Jan, up to 8 m/s of north easterly winds were at 850 mb (1.5 km). During 18 – 24 Jan, up to 5 m/s of north easterly winds are expected at 850 mb (1.5km).
Monitored Sea and Land Temperature: Sea surface temperature around Sri Lanka was 0.25 – 1.0oC above normal. Strong EL Nino and positive indian ocean dipole patterns sustained. Maximum daily temperature was in Ratnapura (34.6ºC) and Ratmalana (33.7ºC) .
Interpretation
Monitoring
Rainfall: During the last two weeks, there had been very heavy rainfall over the following areas:
Pannalgama, Lahugala, Vakaneri Wewa.
Daily Average Rainfall in the Met stations for previous week of (10th January – 17th January) = 4.6 mm
Maximum Daily Rainfall: 172.1 mm & Minimum Daily Rainfall: 0.0 mm.
Wind: North easterly 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, Sabaragamuwa, and Northern provinces of the country driven by the warm SST’s.
Prediction
Rainfall: During the next week (19th January – 25th January), moderate rainfall is predicted for the Sabaragamuwa province and less rainfall is predicted for rest of the country.
Temperatures: The temperature will remain seasonably near normal for the country during 18th January – 24th January.
Teleconnections: A positive Dipole Mode has set in across the Indian Ocean since 8th of June. MJO shall slightly suppress the rainfall during 17th – 21st January and significantly suppress the rainfall during 22nd – 31st January for Sri Lanka.
Seasonal Precipitation: The precipitation forecast for the February-March-April, 2024 season shows near normal precipitation.
Terminology for Rainfall Ranges
| Rainfall (During 24 hours of the period) | |
| 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 |
