News
The cool December days may not bring good cheer
View(s):By Nadia Fazlulhaq
The usually pleasant nip in the air feel of December days may not bode well with many, especially those with respiratory ailments due to a mishmash of weather phenomena, experts have cautioned.
“The effects of a triple dip La Nina condition will bring cold weather and low temperatures during the night and early mornings in the next few weeks. Ground frost is expected in the hill country while heavy mist will prevail elsewhere,” Meteorology Department’s Director (Forecasting) Dr. Shiromani Jayawardena said.
Schoolchidlren all decked in sweaters as heavy mists and low temperatures are reported from Puttalam. Pix by Hiran Priyankara
A triple dip La Nina occurs when the surface temperature of the equatorial Pacific Ocean cools for three consecutive winters.
However, the condition will be obstructed if a thick cloud cover is formed due to poor air quality levels.
“As winds are still flowing north easterly, polluted air from India, China and Bangladesh are still entering the country,” she said.
Meanwhile showery conditions are expected from today especially in the North, North-Central and Eastern provinces, Afternoon or night rains or thundershowers are also forecasted in the Western, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in Galle and Matara districts as well.
Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists president, Dr. Ravini Karunathilake stresses the importance of people with respiratory and cardiac problems being mindful to take their medications without fail.
“Asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and catarrh tend to get aggravated during this time of the year. It is impossible to ask people to remain indoors during the festive season, but those who are down with the flu or have a cough should wear a mask to prevent the spread and to frequently maintain hand hygiene and cough etiquettes,” she said.
Dr. Karuthalike said a balanced diet, adequate rest, warm clothing during the night and mornings and plenty of fluids are essential during this flu-season. The elderly, children and those in vulnerable groups should take extra caution when going out. 
Hospitals are witnessing an increased number of patients with flu-like symptoms of fever, headaches and body pains, cold, cough, nausea and vomiting.
Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director Dr. G. Wijesuriya said many children are being admitted with symptoms of influenza.
Parents are requested to make sure children wear masks, warm clothing during chilly mornings and to avoid taking children to large gatherings.
“The nutritional levels of many children have gone down making them vulnerable to viral fevers due to the decrease in immunity,” he said.
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