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Brace yourself for more hot weather
These birds who frequent the Beira Lake in Colombo, appear to find the temperature of the water too hot to handle during the day and are seen out on the pavement in the shade of trees taking a drink of water. Pic by Amila Gamage
Sri Lankans should gear themselves for more sultry weather throughout March and April, the Meteorological Department warned yesterday.
“A climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean is having a impact on global weather patterns. This is causing the intense heat,” Forecasting Division Director Sarath Premalal said.
In comparison to last year, Sri Lanka in recent months had experienced below average rainfall due to the prevailing El-Nino effect. Besides, the lack of strong winds from the south-west was making coastal areas more humid, he said.
The official said inter-monsoonal rains were expected by next week, bue the hot and humid conditions would prevail till April. “There might be light showers in the Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces in the evenings, but the heat would remain as the sun would be directly over Sri Lanka early next month,” he explained.
Mr. Premalal said the El-Nino phenomena affects rivers and seas creating high tides and currents resulting in deaths by drowning. According to the Life Saving Association of Sri Lanka an average of three persons die every day due to drowning.
The worst El Nino effect was recorded in the late 1990s, when more than 2,000 people around the world died in climate-linked incidents.
Irrigation Department Director Prema Hettiarachchi said the dry zone had been badly hit by the drought and there could even be a shortage of drinking water. She called on the Government to take measures to provide drinking water to families in affected areas.
Health Ministry’s Nutrition Director Dr. Shanthi Gunawardene said it was important to increase the intake of fluids such as water, coconut water and citrus fruit juices.
“Children are more vulnerable to dehydration especially when exposed to the sun. Apart from liquids, their meals should include food with starch such as rice and rice-based products, gram, potatoes and bread as they produce energy. It is important to absorb vitamins, potassium and minerals by eating fruits as excessive sweating results in their loss,” she said.
Dr. Gunawardene said carbonated and chilled drinks should be avoided as viral infections in the throat had been reported during the last few weeks.
Dr. Harsha Perera said there was a possibility of ultraviolet rays affecting the eyes especially among those who are exposed to the sun for a long period of time and recommended the use of sunglasses even for children when going out in the sun.