The southwest monsoon sets in

By Nadia Fazlulhaq

The onset of the southwest monsoon will be marked with cloudy atmosphere and strong winds accompanied with isolated showers. These weather conditions will continue over the next few weeks in most parts of Sri Lanka. Duty meteorologist of the Met. Department, K.D. Sujeewa said that strong winds are noteworthy during the southwest monsoon period.

“There will be strong winds over the country especially in the south-western parts of the country. The winds blowing from southwest direction may increase up to 60 – 80 km per hour. Along with the wind there will be isolated rain in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces, Southern and North-western Provinces” he said.

Mr. Sujeewa said the sea board areas in the Western, Southern and Northern parts would be quite rough. Explaining the prevailing climate changes Dr. B.R.S.B. Basnayake of the Centre for Climate Change Studies, Met dept said, that even though the southwest monsoon was expected in mid-May this time it took place by the first week of June and was established over the island on June 8.

“At the onset of the monsoon we expect strong winds, heavy rains in most parts of Sri Lanka especially in the Western and Southern parts of the country. Some of these isolated rainfalls may even lead to a situation of flooding”. He added that while there could be thunder, no strong thunder storms will take place. With strong winds there is a less possibility of thunderstorms he said.

Dr. Basnayake said that the monsoon period may last till September, but strong winds and heavy showers would take place at the beginning and at the end of the monsoon.