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A Climate Journey Through Time - Exploring Sri Lanka's Weather Patterns (1991-2020)

Sri Lanka's Weather Patterns

This page presents an overview of Sri Lanka's climate, using current climatology data from 1991 to 2020, which is derived from observed historical records. The information is crucial for developing a thorough comprehension of current climate conditions, which is necessary for predicting future climate scenarios and anticipated alterations. Visualizing data allows for the examination of spatial variations, seasonal cycles, and time series, providing valuable insights into both yearly and seasonal patterns. The default presentation is set at a national level, but users can access sub-national data aggregations by selecting specific regions within the country. Users can access more historical climatologies by selecting different periods from the dropdown list. The data, generated by the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia, is displayed with a resolution of 0.5° x 0.5° (50km x 50km).

Seasons, Temperatures, and Rainfall Patterns

Sri Lanka's seasons and temparatures

Sri Lanka experiences two primary seasons: the Maha season, which corresponds to the northeast monsoon from September to March, and the Yala season, which corresponds to the southwest monsoon from May to August. Sri Lanka has one of the highest average temperatures in the world, ranging from approximately 27 to 28C. Colombo, the main business hub of Sri Lanka, typically has an average temperature ranging from 28 to 29°C. Similar to other parts of the country, Colombo's temperature remains fairly consistent throughout the year with minimal monthly fluctuations. The average daily maximum temperatures remain consistently around 31°C throughout the year. Altitude is the primary determinant of temperature fluctuations in Sri Lanka, resulting in notably cooler temperatures in the mountainous regions of the south-central part of the country. Sri Lanka's precipitation is categorized into three distinct zones: the wet zone, intermediate zone, and dry zone. The wet zone, located in the southwest, experiences an average annual precipitation of more than 2,500 mm, primarily due to the influence of the southwest monsoon. The arid regions, located in the southern and northwestern areas, receive a precipitation of less than 1,750 mm. The intermediate zones located in the eastern and central regions receive an annual rainfall ranging from 1,750 mm to 2,500 mm, predominantly due to the influence of the northeast monsoon. The southwestern slopes of the central hills are prone to receiving up to 5,000 mm of rainfall per year. Within a distance of less than 100 km, the annual rainfall can vary by more than 1,000 - 2,000 mm. During the inter-monsoon seasons, all regions experience consistent precipitation and climate changes.

Conclusion

The Maha and Yala seasons dictate rainfall patterns, with distinct wet, intermediate, and dry zones across the country. Temperature variations are moderated by altitude, contributing to cooler climate in elevated regions. Colombo, representing the nation's average, maintains a relatively stable temperature year-round. This climatological overview, supported by data from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) of the University of East Anglia, provides essential insights for understanding current conditions and anticipating future climate trends in Sri Lanka.