COLOMBO : The Department of Meteorology says that, dry weather conditions are currently being reported in several parts of the island due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.
Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Ajith Wijemanne, said the southwest monsoon has also weakened, stating that dry weather conditions may prevail across the island next month due to the impact of El Niño.
The Department of Meteorology has also forecast the possibility of heavy rainfall during the months of October and November.
However, the Director General said dry weather is expected across the island from January to March as a result of the El Niño phenomenon.
He added that the department will continue to issue weather forecasts for the country while closely monitoring updates and forecasts released by international weather agencies regarding El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean region.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Special Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to address the impact of El Niño, Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi, said ministry heads responsible for sectors vulnerable to the phenomenon met yesterday.
He stated that plans outlining measures to minimise the impact on each sector were submitted to the sub-committee.
The Minister added that a national action plan to address the impact of El Niño will be announced within the next two weeks following a review of those proposals.
Adding that the updated forecasts on the impact of El Niño on the country’s weather will be announced the day after Monday (6th).
