Extended dry spell expected in SL until end September - Met. Dept.

•  The South West Monsoon, from May  to September, has failed to deliver adequate rainfall this year

 By Yohan Perera  

Sri Lanka is bracing for an extended dry spell that is anticipated to persist until the end of September, owing to the influence of El Nino on the South West Monsoon, as reported by the Department of Meteorology.  

According to a spokesperson from the Department, the typical active period of the South West Monsoon, spanning from May to September, has failed to deliver adequate rainfall this year, contributing to the prolonged dry conditions observed in certain districts.  

However, the spokesperson assured that the upcoming North East Monsoon, projected for November, is not expected to be impacted by the ongoing weather patterns.  

The North East Monsoon is of paramount significance for crop cultivation, particularly for staple crops such as rice. Farmers, particularly in the North Central Province, traditionally commence planting by September in anticipation of the North East Monsoon’s arrival.  

Director of the Department of Meteorology, Shiromani Jayawardene, emphasized that depending on artificial rain creation efforts is not a viable solution, as past attempts to induce precipitation have yielded unsatisfactory results.  

As of recent measurements, the water levels in major reservoirs remain notably low. The current water capacity stands at 20 percent for Senanayake Samudra, 33 percent for Yodawewa, 40 percent for Deduru Oya, 27 percent for Kaudulla, and 44 percent for Tisawewa, as reported by the Department of Irrigation. 

• Past attempts to induce precipitation have yielded unsatisfactory results
• Depending on artificial rain creation efforts not a viable solution