News
Double-effect of extreme weather
Hot, hot: A young girl and her mother make a dash towards the incense sticks stand at a temple in Colombo on Poya day, as they find the ground too hot
Temperatures in the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces could rise 5-10C this year, sobering news following the World Meteorological Centre’s announcement that 2015 was the hottest year in recent times.
There are signs this year that the country will face extreme weather events in two different regions. While the western plains will be bracing for more rains, the arid dry zone in the Northern, Eastern and North-Central provinces will hit by a dry spell and high levels of heat, the Meteorology Department’s Director of Forecasting Division Sarath Premalal said.
More immediately, Mr. Premalal said mid-day temperatures could reach as high as 38C over the weekend while mild showers would be experienced in few areas in the coming week.
Inter-monsoonal showers were very likely within a week or just over, and that would drive the heat wave away to some extent in some parts of the country.
Normal weather conditions would resume after the onset of the south-west monsoon towards the latter part of May, the Met predicted.
“Lightning and thunder will occur during April and May. Therefore, people should be more cautious, especially while outdoors during the holiday season,” Mr. Premalal said.
The current increase in the temperature is partly due to a mild El Nino, a climate pattern that occurs across the tropical Pacific Ocean where the ocean temperature goes up by a few degrees, causing floods, droughts and other disturbances in many regions of the world. “This is the result of El Nino, global warming and other forms of climate change,” the Meteorology Department official said.
Heath officials are advising people, especially the young and elderly to keep themselves well hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids during this hot season.
When humidity is high, perspiration will not evaporate quickly and this keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it might need to, the Health Ministry’s Nutrition Director, Dr. Shanthi Gunawardene said.
Those at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two years and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.
In developed countries sunglasses are recommended even for children when travelling in the sun. Wearing sunglasses soothes the eyes while driving or walking and even comes as a remedy for headaches that worsen when exposed to the sun.
It was important to increase the intake of fluids such as water, coconut water and juices made from citrus fruits such as orange, lime and lemon, Dr. Gunawardene said.
She also advised people to make a point of including starch in their diet, with food such as rice and rice-based products, gram, potatoes and bread, as starch produces energy. “It is important to take vitamins, potassium and minerals through fruits as excessive sweating results in loss of minerals,” she said.
Dr. Gunawardene said carbonated and chilled drinks should be avoided as viral infections in the throat were reported during the last few weeks.
“Clothes should not be worn tight as it causes discomfort and excessive sweat can result in prickly heat and dermatitis. It is advised to wear cotton clothing,” she said.