El Niño could increase flood risk in Sri Lanka in October and November

Sri Lanka could face an increased risk of flooding in October and November as El Niño conditions strengthen and rainfall intensifies across the island, the Department of Meteorology said.

The department said the developing El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, together with expected increased activity over the Bay of Bengal, were the main factors behind the outlook.

According to current forecasts, rainy conditions are expected over the south-western parts of the country during the next few days.

Areas that have experienced dry weather are also expected to receive increased thundershowers towards the end of September, particularly around 28 and 29 September.

Rain is expected at times on Saturday in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Scattered thundershowers may develop after 2 p.m. in Uva Province and in Batticaloa and Ampara districts.

Meanwhile, wind speeds in sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil could increase to between 50 and 55 km/h, making the seas fairly rough.

Wave heights between Chilaw and Pottuvil could rise to between two and three metres, while coastal areas from Beruwala to Matara could experience sea surges moving inland.

Meteorologist Malith Fernando urged naval, fishing and coastal communities to remain vigilant.