SL Preparedness on Weather Pattern Changes -Meteorological Survey –  

Most citizens are interested in the unusual weather changes occurring in Sri Lanka these days. In conjunction with World Meteorological Day, we presented you with brief details about the survey results we conducted. This article also discusses weather pattern changes and expert views about them. Moreover, our survey results can be accessed here. If you want to watch the video you can click here for the interview with Mr.K.R.Abhayasingha visiting lecturer, Post Graduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya (Retired Director of Meteorology) speaking about the the impacts of Climate Change and Efforts in Sri Lanka.

Before analyzing the survey results, we would like to point out one of the significant limitations of this survey. The survey was conducted online using cyberspace. So, the social groups are not represented broadly in the results.

We were curious to know how people get weather-related information in Sri Lanka. Our survey collected responses from 105 individuals of different age groups, including children, younger, and elders. Based on our findings, most people (65%) get weather information through social media. You can see many social networking sites these days. Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more, people use these social media platforms to communicate for work and personal requirements. Ease of access and manipulation of data at any time may lead to its widespread. However, it needs to be highlighted here that it creates an opportunity for anyone to spread even misleading information quickly. Director of the Department of Meteorology (DOM), Mr Muditha Malika Wimalasuriya, explained a recent incident regarding a similar post. A misleading poster about Tsunami preparedness, was taken as a piece of accurate information and spread so fast on social media platforms. You can read our coverage on it here. He said that people are circulating news without verifying the true facts. This leads to the spread of false news causing unwanted panic among the public. The official website of the     Meteorological Department in Sri Lanka gives accurate data and information on severe weather conditions. 

Many people complain that the SL government has yet to use advanced technology. We referred to this from the Director of weather forecasting Ms. Shiromani Jayawardena, she explained that compared to the last couple of years the meteorological department has increased its network on weather forecasting. Rather than direct observation, now the department tries to use satellite and numerical weather prediction, which helps represent the atmosphere in a digital model. “With the advanced technology available in the world, Sri Lanka, has better access to numerical weather predictions. Of course, the current technology used at the Met. department is not satisfactory, but there has been a tremendous improvement compared to the last couple of years.” she mentioned.

Sri Lanka is closer to the equator hence, the atmosphere is dynamic and constantly changing, but the models can’t capture that much fast. Another disadvantage is that the ocean surrounds Sri Lanka, and dynamic and fast changes also happening there. 

Dr. Shiromani also stated that climate change is affecting the weather conditions and extreme weather events happening throughout the world. Not only Sri Lanka ,even developed countries face challenges in predicting extreme events. According to our survey, nearly 70% believe climate change is challenging Sri Lanka, however, 34% of the individuals are still in a state that is unsure whether climate change impacts the country.  

Sri Lanka is categorized as a highly vulnerable country to climate change; however, a considerable population is still unaware of it. We constantly experience severe weather events—high heat conditions and heavy rain in most areas of the country. 

Extreme weather events are occurrences of unusually severe weather which can cause devastating impacts on communities and agricultural and natural ecosystems. Weather-related extreme events are often short-lived and include heat waves, heavy downpours, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, and floods. 

Climate-related extreme events persist longer than weather events or emerge from the accumulation of weather  events that last over a more extended period. Examples include drought resulting from long periods of below-normal precipitation or wildfire outbreaks when a prolonged dry, warm period follows an abnormally wet and productive growing season. For more information, click  here.

Dr. Shiromani explains that even in Western Europe, although they have very sophisticated early warning systems and access to very high resolution modestly, there has still been moments of failures.

In our survey, we asked whether the public has benefitted from the early warning system, and here are the results.  

Within our survey, we learned that people are willing to get the early warnings from the met. department. Since we discussed this with the meteorological department, here are their suggestions. 

Measures to improve the early warning system, in Sri Lanka 

• We need to enhance our observations. If we have more observations, then we can get a better idea about the atmosphere 
• Want to access the latest technologies 
• Resource persons are essential

Former director general of the Department of Meteorology, S.H. Kariyawasam, explains that when greenhouse gases activate, the atmosphere engage like a heat engine.

You can consider El Nino and LA Nino conditions, the main concern about sea surface temperature. El Niño refers to the above-average sea-surface temperatures that periodically develop across the east-central equatorial Pacific. It represents the warm phase of the ENSO cycle. La Niña refers to the periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures across the east-central tropical Pacific. More can gain here

El Niño and La Niña typically last for several months to a year, and they occur irregularly, with intervals ranging from 2 to 7 years. Scientists continue to study these phenomena to better understand their causes and impact and improve forecasts of their occurrence and effects.

In response to heat changes, the atmosphere circulation also changes, then we witness many climate patterns. Mr. Kariyawasam stated.  Sometimes we experience an average high temperature and occasionally  abnormal conditions. Also, health issues can arise with these changes, and every sector is significantly affected by climate change since awareness is essential to mitigate this. We asked this question from the public, and no one did not mention it as it is not felt crucial.   

Raising awareness is far more important to increase the enthusiasm, support, and action. Knowledge about climate change helps young people understand and tackle pollution and is especially essential to encourage them change their behavior to adapt to the climate crisis. 

 From this image, you can see how many people are suffering due to climate change.

We used people who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women also, in this survey. Happily, 29.5% says they were not getting any health issue from climate change. However, 70.5% have somehow been affected by climate change. Even though it is essential to maintain good physical and mental health, it was confirmed through this survey that climate change had affected the well-being of the Sri Lankan people. There is a famous saying of Lord Buddha, “Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth.” Meanwhile, this confirms the importance of thinking deeply about climate change. If you have any queries or come across suspicious content related to climate change or the environment and want us to verify them for you, then send them to us on our WhatsApp hotline: +917045366366