The Department of Meteorology says the feels-like temperature has risen to concerning levels in several parts of the country amid prevailing dry weather conditions.
Director of the Forecasting Division of the Department of Meteorology, Meril Mendis, said sufficient rainfall to ease the current dry conditions is expected only around October.
The feels-like temperature has increased significantly in the Eastern Province and districts including Monaragala and Polonnaruwa.
The Department has advised people in affected areas to wear light clothing when spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Special attention should also be given to sick people and the elderly.
The Southwest Monsoon remains active across the island, with several spells of rain expected today (13) in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, as well as the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Thunderstorms may occur at a few places in the Eastern and Uva provinces and in the Mullaitivu district. However, Mendis said overall rainfall is expected to decrease during the next few days.
Meanwhile, fairly strong winds of around 30–40 kmph may occur at times in the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces.
Dry weather is expected to continue in the Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces until September.
Mendis said reduced rainfall in these areas during the Southwest Monsoon period from May to September is normal, but the situation could be further intensified by the El Niño phenomenon.
“We have not yet seen the maximum impact of the El Niño conditions this year. We can observe its development from August onwards,” he said.
He added that there is a probability of more than 80% that El Niño conditions will develop to a strong level by November, December and January, with their effects expected to continue until April next year.
According to the Department of Meteorology, rainfall is expected to increase across the island during October, November and December.
However, Mendis warned that rainfall could decrease again during the first quarter of next year due to the influence of El Niño.
