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.

 

Climate Bulletin for Sri Lanka (Week of  5 July – 12 July 2024)

 

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 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