Media Center
Climate Bulletin for Sri Lanka (Week of 5 July – 12 July 2024)
Highlights
Rainfall Prediction: During 3 – 9 July, high likelihood of moderate rainfall (25 – 50 mm) is predicted for the Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern, and North Western provinces; light to moderate rainfall (12.5 – 25 mm) is predicted for the Central province; below 10 mm rainfall is predicted for the rest.
Monitored Rainfall: On average, 2.2 mm was received in SL and rainfall was concentrated in the Western plains (7.1 mm) and hills (2.6 mm). On average, 4.3 mm was received in the hydro catchments; Lakshapana received the highest rainfall (27 mm). Highest daily rainfall was in Helboda North (Nuwara Eliya District) on 27 June. (73.0 mm)
Monitored and Predicted Wind: From 25 Jun – 1 Jul, winds at 850mb (1.5km) westerly, reaching up to 15 m/s. From 4 Jul – 10 Jul, winds are predicted to be north westerly, reaching up to 15 m/s.
Monitored Sea and Land Temperature: Average land surface temperature was 31.5°C in the last week with cooler anomalies from seasonal average of 1-3°C. Eastern plains was warmest followed by Northern and Southern plains. Sea surface temperature around Sri Lanka was 0.25 – 1.5°C above average.
Interpretation
Monitoring
Rainfall:During the last two weeks, there has been fairly heavy rainfall over the following area: Helboda North (Nuwara Eliya).
Daily Average Rainfall in the Met stations for the previous week of (27 June – 3 July) = 2.2 mm Maximum Daily Rainfall: 34.3 mm & Minimum Daily Rainfall: 0.0 mm.
Wind: Westerly winds prevailed in the sea area and around the island last week.
Temperatures: The temperature anomalies were below normal for some parts of the Southern province driven by the warm SST’s.
Prediction
Rainfall: During the next week (3 July – 9 July), moderate rainfall (25 – 50 mm) is predicted for the Sabaragamuwa, Western, Southern, and North Western provinces and light to moderate rainfall (12.5 – 25 mm) is predicted for the Central province 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 4 July – 10 July.
Teleconnections: MJO shall moderately enhance the rainfall during 3 – 7 July and slightly enhance the rainfall during 8 July – 17 July for Sri Lanka.
Seasonal Precipitation: The precipitation forecast for the July-August-September, 2024 season shows a 45 – 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 |