Why is the Weather So Extreme These Days?

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This year, the arrival of the southwest monsoon has been quite different from usual. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, it began with a powerful and dangerous cyclonic storm that didn’t just impact eastern India and Bangladesh, but also brought severe weather to Sri Lanka.

Before the monsoon officially began, pre-monsoon rains had ended, and it was expected that southwest monsoon conditions would take over. Around that time, a low-pressure system started forming in the Bay of Bengal. As it moved away from Sri Lanka, it gradually strengthened into a cyclone and entered Bangladesh, causing a lot of damage.

At the same time, many places around the world were experiencing stronger-than-normal weather patterns. Experts believe global warming and climate change are the main reasons behind this. For Sri Lanka, these southwest monsoon conditions can become extremely harsh. Additionally, meteorologists say that the developing La Niña weather system in the Pacific Ocean may also be influencing this violent weather.

The southwest monsoon typically lasts until mid-September. During this time, winds from the west or southwest blow across Sri Lanka at an average speed of around 20 km/h. But when weather systems like depressions or cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal, the winds can get stronger and more dangerous. These winds carry a lot of moisture, leading to heavy rainfall, especially in the Western, Southern, and Southwestern provinces, as well as the Central Highlands and the western slopes of the mountains.

When the upper parts of the atmosphere hold more moisture, the winds push this vapor and clouds toward the eastern slopes of the Central Highlands, which brings more rain to those areas too.

Even though thunderstorm clouds (called cumulonimbus clouds) don’t form as frequently during the southwest monsoon, there’s still a chance of lightning and thunder if the conditions are right.

Because of this extreme weather, people often face natural disasters like floods, drinking water shortages, landslides, and even the collapse of houses. Strong winds can also uproot trees, damaging buildings, roads, and even causing injuries or loss of life. Crops can also be destroyed, which affects farming communities badly.

So, it’s very important to always stay alert and follow the weather reports, warnings, and safety advice shared by the Meteorology Department, Disaster Management Center, police, hospitals, and other responsible organizations through the media. This helps us be better prepared and stay safe during times of disaster.

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