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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 24 December, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

A significant increase in rainfall was observed during the previous week with Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa and Wilpattu areas receiving rainfall around 200 mm. High rainfall is expected to persist in the eastern regions of Sri Lanka until around 29th of December, and thereafter a significant decrease in rainfall is expected throughout the country. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected on the 27th in the sea about 300 km east of Sri Lanka.
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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 18 December, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Rainfall up to 250 mm is expected in the eastern sea and the eastern coast of Sri Lanka during the next few days. High rainfall was observed throughout the country in the previous week with highest rainfall in South-western region of Sri Lanka as well as in Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa regions. Rainfall shall decrease during next week in the entire country but not in a significant level. The northern sea region of Sri Lanka shows a below average sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, December 11, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 11 December, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Light rainfall was observed throughout the country in the previous week with highest rainfall in the Ampara, Batticaloa and Ratnapura. Northern and north-eastern regions received highly above average rainfall during November while below climatological average rainfall was observed in the rest of the country. Rainfall shall decrease during next week in the entire country but not in a significant level. The northern sea region of Sri Lanka shows a below average sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, December 4, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 4 December, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Heavy rainfall was observed throughout the country in the previous week with highest rainfall in the northern region. Northern and north-eastern regions received highly above average rainfall during November while below climatological average rainfall was observed in the rest of the country. Rainfall shall decrease during next week in the entire country but not in a significant level. The entire sea region of Sri Lanka shows a neutral sea surface temperature
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Monday, December 1, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 27 November, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Heavy rainfall was observed throughout the country in the previous week with highest rainfall in the northern region. Rainfall shall decrease during next week in the southern and central regions but not in a significant level. The western sea region of Sri Lanka shows an above average sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, November 20, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 20 November, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

High rainfall was observed throughout the country in the previous week with dry conditions in one or two days arising in between. Rainfall shall continue to increase during next week but not in a significant level. The entire sea region of Sri Lanka shows a neutral sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, November 13, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 13 November, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

November is usually the month with the heaviest rainfall in Sri Lanka (average up to mm/ month). After the extremely high rainfall two weeks back, the last week had been relatively dry all over Sri Lanka. However, the US NOAA GFS model predicts rainfall in excess of 125 mm for the coming week from 12-18th of November; the forecast is for high rainfall for the following week as well - 19th-25th of November. This NOAA-CFS model has been skillful lately. The rainfall predictions from the Indian Meteorological Department also predict high rainfall in the next three days.

NCEP GFS Ensemble Rainfall forecast 12th- 18th November 2014


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Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 5 November, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Very heavy rainfall was observed throughout the country and mostly around the south-west and central regions during the previous week and rainfall shall decrease significantly in the entire country during next week. The entire sea region of Sri Lanka shows a neutral sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, October 30, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 30 October, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Very heavy rainfall was observed throughout the country and mostly around the south-west region during the previous week and very high rainfall shall continue in the entire country during next week as well. The south-west sea of Sri Lanka shows an above average sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 23 October, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Very heavy rainfall was observed throughout the country and mostly around the south-west region during the previous week and very high rainfall shall continue in the entire country during next week as well. The south-west sea of Sri Lanka shows an above average sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, October 16, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 16 October, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Heavy rainfall was observed throughout the country and mostly around the south-west and northern regions during the previous week and very high rainfall shall continue in the entire country during next week as well. The western sea of Sri Lanka shows an above average sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, October 9, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 9 October, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Slightly heavy rainfall was observed throughout the coastal areas of the country and mostly around the south-west region during the previous week and despite the tropical cyclone Hudhud only mild rainfall is expected in the entire country during next week except in south- western regions where up to 150- 200 mm rainfall is expected in coming six days. The north-western sea of Sri Lanka shows an above average sea surface temperature.
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Thursday, October 2, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 02 October, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Heavy rainfall was observed throughout the country during the previous week and further heavy rainfall is expected in the entire country during the next week as well. Badulla, Kandy, Kaluthara and Galle districts shall receive heavy rainfall during this period. Up to 200 mm rainfall is expected in Badulla. Unusually heavy rainfall is expected in the region from Monaragala to Polonnaruwa for the 2nd consecutive week. The north-western sea of Sri Lanka shows an above average sea surface temperature while the south eastern sea shows a below average sea surface temperature.
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Sunday, September 28, 2014

Warden gripes "But we still have no water"

BY ZAHRAH IMTIAZ

Drought conditions prevail at the Yala National Park although rainfall has been reported in the surrounding areas.
Foundation for Environment Climate and Technology (FECT), in its weekly predictions on weather, reported that up to 45mm rainfall is expected in the South-Western and Southern parts of Sri Lanka from 17-30 September.
FECT reported rainfall last week in Southern and Eastern parts of the country. Meanwhile, on 12 September, 30 mm of rainfall was recorded at the Yala National Park and on 13-14, the entire South-western region had received 40 mm of rain.
 

But authorities said that the rain received at the Park was light, insufficient to have an impact on the sanctuary.
Though rain is being reported in the region, suffering from a prolonged drought, Yala National Park, Warden, S. Saranga however, said though there were light rains, common this time of year, it however, made no difference to the prevailing drought conditions in the park. "We still have no water", he said.
The Park Warden said he continued to use water bowsers to supply water to the Park.
 


"We have installed motors to pump water at two places and four other places have solar pumps," said Saranga.
The Chief Incumbent of the Sithulpahuwa Raja Maha Viharaya, Metaraba Hemarathana Thera said that it had only rained in Kataragama and that most of Yala remained dry. The thera is actively involved in supply water to the watering holes in the Park.
The thera and warden have been told to expect rain after 15 October. Given this scenario, the two parties have three more weeks to find water to maintain water supplies in the Park. That's the period when the North-East (NE) Monsoons are expected to hit the country.


Original Link- Click here

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 25 September, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Heavy rainfall is expected in the entire country during the next week. Badulla, Moneragala and Polonnaruwa districts shall receive heaviest rainfall during this period.
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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 18 September, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Southern and eastern regions of the country received rainfall during the past week. But no rainfall was observed in the north central region. High rainfall was observed in the south western region as expected while rainfall is expected to continue in this region during the next week. The sea surface temperature around Sri Lanka has reduced.
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Thursday, September 11, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 11 September, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Rainfall was observed in the southern half of Sri Lanka as well as Jaffna peninsula during 2nd – 8th September. No rainfall was observed in north-central region of the country during this period. Highest rainfall was observed in the area surrounding Ampara. Rainfall expected in the coming week is predicted to be below than the historical average.
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Thursday, September 4, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 4 September, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Below average rainfall was observed in the entirety of the country during the month of July, however during August, the precipitation observed over Sri Lanka was above average. Ratnapura district received highest amount of rainfall during August. But in the past week rainfall conditions in Sri Lanka once again was observed to be dry compared to the week before. The only significant rainfall event recorded this week was observed in the sea west of Puttalam.
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Thursday, August 28, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 28 Aug, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Rainfall was observed during the previous week, mostly in the south-western region of the country. Highest rainfall was observed in the Kaluthara district. The sea to the west of Sri Lanka also received high rainfall.
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Sunday, August 24, 2014

Alarm over rising seas but villagers keep returning to risky shore


By Nadia Fazlulhaq

Ports, hotels will cause erosion near and far

View(s):

For Shanthi of the Sri Dharmaarama Road fishing village in Ratmalana and Kamala Fernando of Ransigamawella off Wennappuwa, the coming days are a struggle to protect their houses from the strong waves that are rapidly swallowing up the shore.
Thousands of families living bordering the south-western coasts and north-western coasts are at a growing risk of coastal erosion, experts fear.
The latest danger was reported in Ratmalana where about 20 houses were destroyed with chairs, mats, pots and pans of poor fishing families sailing away with the waves.
Prof. W.N. Wilson, senior lecturer in geography at the Colombo University, said more than half the country’s population lives in coastal areas and the coastline from Kalpitiya to Tangalle is more prone to coastal erosion-related disasters.

Sea erosion in Ransigamawella, off Wennappuwa. Pix by M.A. .Pushpa Kumara and Rekha Tharangani Fonseka

He said the beaches of Mt. Lavinia, Ratmalana, Wellawatte, Wattala, Poruthota, off Wennappuwa, Marawila, Kalpitiya, Weligama, Beruwala, Ahangama, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna would be more affected by erosion due to human-made factors and natural factors such as the south-west monsoon, disturbances in the atmosphere, rough seas and strong currents.
He said crystalline rocks, corals, beach sand and rock debris found in the coastal terrain acted as natural barriers but these were being destroyed in places.

 “Coral mining, mining in rivers and estuaries, rock-blasting to build harbours, drilling into coastal soil layers to build hotels, apartments etc. are among the leading causes for the increased coastal erosion,” Prof. Wilson said.
If another tsunami struck, the western and southern belts would experience greater destruction due to increased development activities and settlements bordering the ocean
“With natural barriers destroyed and coast eroding one metre annually, strong waves can easily enter the land. Environment impact assessments and vulnerability studies should continue with erosion prevention given priority. Most of the wooden groynes, structures built out from seashore to control erosion, were destroyed by the 2004 tsunami,” he said.
Prof. Wilson said the northern parts of the country were vulnerable due to turbulences and rain disturbances in the Bay of Bengal.
Thousands of families live along the southern and western coasts that are highly vulnerable to coastal erosion.
Swarna Perera, member of a 300-strong fishing community off Negombo, said she is currently living in her ninth house with all previous houses, whether built of brick or wood, lost to the sea.
“Where are we supposed to go?” she asked. “The authorities give us money but that is not sufficient to buy a plot of land and build a house.”
Kamala Fernando, a resident of Ransigamawella, a coastal village off Wennappuwa, said during the 40 years the sea had encroached about 300m into the land.
“There used to be so much space for me to rear pigs and poultry. Now there is no space at all. After the tsunami, coastal erosion.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 21 Aug, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Heavy rainfall was observed in North Central and Eastern regions of the country ending the drought which persisted in these regions. Very high amounts of rainfall was observed in various parts of the country during the past week. More high rainfall is expected in the coming weeks with high confidence. Sustained El Nino conditions are expected by the end of this year. Sea surface temperature around Sri Lanka has further increased to 10 C.
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Thursday, August 14, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 14 Aug, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Rather heavy rainfall events were observed in south western and north eastern coastal region of the country during the past week. Despite these events severe drought condition still persists in north central region of the country. Higher rainfall is expected in the next week by some climate models while the presence of the MJO in the Indian Ocean shall enhance rainfall in Sri Lanka.
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Friday, August 8, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 7 Aug, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction

Less than average rainfall was observed during July. On the 1st of August very high rainfall was observed in south western region of Sri Lanka.
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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 31 July, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction


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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 24 July, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Rainfall observed in Sri Lanka is dwindling. Less than 20 mm of rainfall was observed during 16th- 22nd of July. No significant rainfall events are predicted for the next two weeks. The sea surface temperature anomaly remained neutral in the entire last month.

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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 17 July, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Lesser rainfall is observed in the entire country and a decreasing rainfall trend was observed during last two weeks. However intense wind was observed in the country during the past week. Neutral sea surface temperature anomaly persists around Sri Lanka.

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Friday, July 11, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 10 July, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Less rainfall compared to the previous week was observed during 2nd – 8th July 2014. Sea around the country shows a neutral sea surface temperature anomaly. Heavy rainfall events are not expected during the next 5 day period.

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Thursday, July 3, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 3 July, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
The southeast monsoon is active. Therefore south east region of the country received high amounts of rainfall during June. More than 200 mm of excess monthly rainfall compared to past years was observed in this region during this month. During the next two weeks this condition is predicted to continue but heavy rainfall events are not likely to happen during the next six days. The sea surface temperature remains to be warmer than average.

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Monday, June 30, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 26 June, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
South western region of Sri Lanka continue to receive rainfall during the last week. This condition is expected to continue in the next two weeks.

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 19 June, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
The South Western region of the country, particularly Kalutara and Ratnapura districts shall continue to receive high rainfall during this week. Some models predict rainfall in the entire western half of the country during the next few days. The rest of the country shall not receive a significant amount of rainfall during the next couple of weeks. The Sea surface temperature around the country is warmer than usual. Sustained El Nino conditions are predicted by June- July of this year.

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Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 12 June, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall decrease in different rates till 7th June 2014. However, western slopes and coasts are likely to observe significant rainfall event during 2nd-5th June 2014. For the eastern slopes and coasts significant dry condition is likely to observe during the beginning of June 2014.

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Monday, June 16, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 6 June, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall increase further till 10th and gradually decrease till 14th June 2014. For western slopes and coasts, rainfall is likely to decrease during prediction period (6th-12th June 2014). However, for the eastern slopes and coasts rainfall is likely to increase during the prediction period and significant rainfall events are expected during 9th-20th June. For northern and southern regions significant rainfall events are expected during 7th-11th June 2014.

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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 29 May, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall decrease in different rates till 7th June 2014. However, western slopes and coasts are likely to observe significant rainfall event during 2nd-5th June 2014. For the eastern slopes and coasts significant dry condition is likely to observe during the beginning of June 2014.

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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 21 May, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall increase gradually till 27th May and significant rainfall event is likely to happen during 26th-28th May 2014. Thereafter rainfall shall decrease gradually till the end of the prediction period (21st-29th May 2014). However, for the eastern slopes rate of increase of rainfall is higher than the rate predicted for the entire country during 21st-27th May. For coming two days (22nd & 23rd May) Gampaha to Galle districts, Kegalle and Ratnapura districts are likely to experience more rainfall than the rest of the districts in Sri Lanka.

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Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 16 May, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall remain constant (8-10 mm/day) till the end of prediction period (15th-21st May) and No significant rainfall events are expected. However, few models predict dryer condition (less than 25 mm/6 days) than previous months for entire country during 15th-20th May 2014.

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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 07 May, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall increase till 11th May and for most of the regions significant rainfall events are likely to experience during 9th-13th May 2014. Thereafter rainfall shall decrease gradually. However, during 5th-10th May North, North-eastern and Southern districts shall receive heavy rainfall and Galle district is likely to expect significant heavy rainfall (150-200 mm/6 days)

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 30 April, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
A significant rainfall event is likely to observe for most of the regions during 9th-11th May. However, eastern coast shall receive dry condition during 5th-7th May. For the coming two days (1st & 2nd May), the regions located at central axis of Sri Lanka shall expect heavy rainfall.

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Thursday, April 24, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 24 April, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall persist till 27th April & shall decrease gradually till 29th. Thereafter rainfall shall increase gradually till the mid of May 2014. However, significant rainfall events are likely to experience during 3rd-5th May for Eastern slopes and coasts. For the coming two days (25th & 26th April), the border regions of Kegalle and Ratnapura districts is likely to expect heavy rainfall compared to other regions of Sri Lanka.

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Friday, April 11, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 10 April, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall increase gradually till 15th and it shall decrease gradually thereafter for coastal regions of Sri Lanka. For the coming two days (12th & 13th April 2014), Ratnapura district shall receive less than 36 mm of rainfall. During 7th-12th April, Badulla district is likely to experience heavy rainfall.

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Monday, April 7, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 3 April, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Very dry conditions were observed in Sri Lanka during the last month except for some slight amounts of rainfall received particularly in areas towards the western slopes of the country. However less than average rainfall was observed in all parts of the country. Base on IRI and NOAA predictions for the next two weeks, rainfall is expected to increase. MJO is in the 3rd phase which shall influence rainfall in Sri Lanka.

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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 27 March, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition shall vary frequently (less than 4mm/day) till 5th April 2014. However, Eastern slopes and coasts are likely to observe increasing pattern of rainfall till 29th March and it shall decrease thereafter.

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Friday, March 21, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 20 March, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition further decrease till 22nd March and remain constant till 28th of March. For western slopes and Southern regions, existing rainfall is likely to increase after 23rd March till 29th March 2014. However, on 21st Kegalle and Ratnapura districts shall receive more rainfall than the entire country. For the coming week (18th-23rd March), Badulla district is likely to expect heavy rainfall.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 13 March, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition (less than 4 mm/day) is likely to remain constant till 20th March for the entire country. However, Eastern slopes, Eastern coasts and southern regions are likely to observe increasing pattern of rainfall after 15th of March 2014. For the 13th & 14th regions in Ampara and Batticaloa districts shall receive rainfall compared to the rest of the regions in Sri Lanka.

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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 6 March, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition is likely to decrease gradually after 9th of March 2014. However, eastern slopes and coasts are likely to observe increasing pattern of rainfall, with less than 4 mm/day of rainfall. No significant rainfall events are expected. For 8th of March, patches of Galle, Kalutara and Ratnapura districts shall experience significant rainfall (less than 65 mm/day).

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Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 27 February, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
Existing rainfall condition is likely to decrease after 1st of March 2014. However, western slopes shall observe significant rainfall events during 28th February-4th March 2014. The boarder of Ratnapura and Nuwara-Eliya shall experience heavy rainfall on 28th February 2014.

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 20 February, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
The existing dry condition shall decrease after 23rd of February and western slopes and, coastal shall receive significant rainfall events during the end of February. However, during coming two days (21st and 22nd February 2014) patches of Ratnapura district shall receive significant rainfall.

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 13 February, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
The existing dry condition shall persist till 15th of February 2014. However during next week southern half of the island shall be wetter than the northern half of the island. No significant rainfall events are expected.

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Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 6 February, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
During 27th January to 4th February entire country experienced dry condition. In the coming week Models predicts rainfall less than 25 mm/week for the island except in the northern and northwestern provinces.

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 29 January, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
During 21st to 26th January entire country experienced dry condition. In the coming week Models predicts rainfall less than 55 mm/week for the island except in the western province.

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Friday, January 24, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 23 January, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
During 15th January Kandy, Matale, Polonnaruwa and Ampara districts received heavy rainfall ranging up to 120 mm/day. In the coming week the weather and climate models predicts dry conditions over the island.

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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 16 January, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
During 7th January North central province of the island received heavy rainfall ranging up to 30 mm/day. In the coming week Models predicts heavy rainfall conditions for eastern, central and western provinces of the country ranging up to 35mm/week.

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Monday, January 13, 2014

Weekly Hydro-meteorological Report, 09 January, 2014


Highlights

Monitoring and Prediction
An increasing trend in rainfall observed over the northern part of the country from 3rd -5th January as a result of the formation of deep depression in Northwestern parts of the Sri Lankan Sea. However, Central and Southerrn provinces are likely to experience moderate rainfall during 7th and 12th January. The models predict rainy conditions between 7.5 and 35.5 mm over the country.

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