The Department of Meteorology says that, with the prevailing dry weather conditions, the feels-like temperature has risen to concerning levels in several parts of the island.

Director of the Forecasting Division of the Department of Meteorology, Meril Mendis, said sufficient rainfall to ease the prevailing dry conditions is expected only around October.  

The feels-like temperature has risen significantly, particularly in the Eastern Province and districts such as Monaragala and Polonnaruwa.

The Department has advised people in the 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 persons and the elderly.

The Southwest Monsoon is currently active across the island. Several spells of rain are expected today (13) in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Thunderstorms may also occur at a few locations in the Eastern and Uva provinces and in the Mullaitivu district.

However, Mendis said rainfall is expected to decrease overall 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 conditions are expected to continue in the Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces until September.

Although reduced rainfall in these areas during the Southwest Monsoon period from May to September is considered normal, Mendis said 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, “However, there is a probability of more than 80% that the El Niño conditions will develop to a strong level by November, December and January. Its effects are expected to continue until April next year.”

The Department of Meteorology said 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.