El Niño Conditions Expected To Impact Sri Lanka's Weather in July

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says the El Niño phenomenon is expected to begin affecting the country's weather from next month.

Director of Forecasting at the Department of Meteorology, Merril Mendis, stated that the phenomenon is likely to have an impact on the Southwest Monsoon.

He further noted that El Niño conditions have already developed over the Pacific Ocean and effects are expected to persist in various degrees for approximately 11 months.

Meanwhile, a discussion on raising awareness regarding measures required to address the potential impact of El Niño on Sri Lanka’s weather situation is scheduled to be held today.

The discussion will take place at the Department of Meteorology. 

Officials representing 20 key sectors, including irrigation, the Mahaweli Authority, disaster management, agriculture, agrarian development, and water supply are expected to participate in the discussion.