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As the hot weather climbs across the island nation of Sri Lanka during these days, concerns about the escalating temperatures and their impact on public health and the environment are reaching a fever pitch. From bustling urban centers to serene coastal towns, the recent surge in temperatures has prompted experts to issue warnings and advisories, urging citizens to take precautionary measures. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this heatwave phenomenon, with scientific explanation.
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This article is a synthesis of meteorological data, geological insights, and news articles highlighting the impacts of rising temperatures in Sri Lanka. It underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and adopting adaptive measures to safeguard human health and the environment.
Understanding the Heat Surge:
As Sri Lanka grapples with soaring temperatures, experts emphasize the need for understanding the underlying factors driving this heat surge. High-pressure systems, urbanization, and climate change are among the key contributors to this phenomenon. Dr. Kapila Jayaratne, Senior Lecturer of Community Medicine at Colombo University, underscores the importance of hydration and sun protection in mitigating the adverse effects of extreme heat.
“Extreme temperatures can have devastating effects on the human body…Exposure to high temperatures may debilitate the human body.” – Dr. Chanurdi Wickramathunga, Senior Registrar, National Chest Hospital Welisara.
Impact on Public Health and Environment:
The escalating temperatures pose significant risks to public health, with reports of heat-related illnesses and discomfort mounting across the country. Moreover, the environmental repercussions of this heat surge are profound, leading to an increase in forest fires and ecological disturbances. As Sri Lanka braces for more intense heatwaves in the future, urgent measures are needed to safeguard both human well-being and ecological balance.
“Heat waves are caused by a complex interaction of a multitude of conditions…climate change and human-activity generated greenhouse gases that trap heat are responsible for increasing the frequency and prolonging the effects of heatwaves.” – Dr. Chanurdi Wickramathunga, Senior Registrar, National Chest Hospital Welisara.
Science behind the Heat Surge
Global Warming and Climate Change
As explained by T. M. N. Peiris (Meteorologist- R&D, Sri Lanka Meteorology Department), changes in Earth’s orbit, solar energy, volcanic eruptions, and other natural factors contribute to fluctuations in global temperatures. However, it is the unprecedented surge in human-induced greenhouse gas emissions that sets this era apart. According to T. M. N. Peiris, the rapid rise in global temperatures, exemplified by the alarming increase of 0.45 degrees Celsius in 2020 alone, signals a red alert for the planet’s well-being. This surge, equivalent to the record-breaking temperatures of 2016, underscores the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
Pic courtesy: Meteorology Department, Sri Lanka
Space Weather
“The cosmos, with its celestial ballet of solar activities, casts a profound influence on Earth’s technological infrastructure and biological ecosystems,” remarks Nadi Rupasingha, a Meteorologist at the Meteorological Observatory, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake.
According to Nadi Rupasingha, the direct connection between solar activity and a specific weather event like a heat surge may be indirect and complex, variations in solar activity (solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar wind) can influence Earth’s climate and atmospheric processes through space weather phenomena, such as changes in the ionosphere and disruptions in communication systems, which in turn can affect the monitoring and response to extreme weather events like heat surges.
A coronal mass ejection sends a burst of solar particles and radiation toward Earth. Much of the energy is deflected around Earth due to our magnetosphere, but some interacts with our atmosphere causing geomagnetic and solar radiation storms. Pic courtesy: COMET
A coronal mass ejection sends a burst of solar particles and radiation toward Earth. Much of the energy is deflected around Earth due to our magnetosphere, but some interacts with our atmosphere causing geomagnetic and solar radiation storms. Pic courtesy: COMET
The work of organizations like NASA and the vigilance of global space weather centers, as mentioned by Nadi Rupasingha, NASA play a pivotal role in forecasting and mitigating potential hazards.
Impact of Deforestation on Climate
The verdant tapestry of forests, a natural bastion against atmospheric upheaval, faces unprecedented threats from human encroachment and exploitation.
As articulated by B. G.Senevirathne (Meteorologist, Sri Lanka Meteorology Department-Katugasthota), deforestation exacts a heavy toll on Earth’s climate equilibrium by unleashing a cascade of greenhouse gas emissions.
The intricate dance of solar radiation and terrestrial heat, ensnared by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, paints a dire portrait of environmental degradation. B. G.Senevirathne, underscores the pivotal role of forests as nature’s carbon sink, urging concerted efforts to preserve and rehabilitate these vital ecosystems.
Regional Climate Variability
Amidst the global symphony of climate change, regional nuances emerge as poignant reminders of Earth’s climatic diversity. In the case of Sri Lanka, as elucidated by Malith Fernando (Meteorologist, Sri Lanka Meteorology Department- Katunayake Airport Office.
Sri Lanka’s proximity to the Indian Ocean exposes it to the influence of oceanic phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These large-scale climate phenomena can modulate rainfall patterns and temperature variability in the region. For instance, a positive phase of the IOD may enhance rainfall during the southwest monsoon, while an El Niño event can lead to drier conditions.
Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, including coastal areas, lowland plains, highlands, and dry zones, give rise to microclimates within the country. Each microclimate exhibits unique weather characteristics, temperature regimes, and precipitation patterns influenced by local geography and vegetation cover.
Regional climate variability in Sri Lanka also encompasses the occurrence of extreme weather events such as cyclones, droughts, floods, and heatwaves. These events can have significant socio-economic impacts, affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and human livelihoods.
Heatwaves have been linked to a myriad of health problems, ranging from dehydration and heat exhaustion to heat strokes and organ failure. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly susceptible to the impacts of rising temperatures.
Analyzing Decadal Temperature Trends: Insights and Implications
To comprehend the multifaceted implications of rising temperatures, it is essential to analyze data from distinct geographical regions within Sri Lanka.
Galle, located along the southern coast, experiences unique climatic conditions influenced by its proximity to the ocean. According to a statement by environmental activist Anusha Silva, “The increasing heatwaves in Galle are a cause for concern among local residents. We’re witnessing changes in weather patterns that affect our livelihoods, particularly in fishing and agriculture.”
Kandy, nestled amidst the central hills, boasts cooler temperatures owing to its elevation and lush vegetation. Environmentalist Rajitha Perera highlights the need for conservation efforts in Kandy, stating, “Our forests and water sources are under threat from rising temperatures. It’s imperative that we take action to protect Kandy’s biodiversity and ecosystems.”
Meanwhile, Colombo, the bustling urban capital, grapples with the urban heat island effect exacerbated by concrete structures and limited green spaces. Dr. Priyantha Perera, a public health expert, emphasizes the urgency of addressing urban heat islands, stating, “High temperatures in Colombo pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. We need sustainable urban planning and green initiatives to mitigate these impacts.”
Analyzing meteorological data spanning the maximum temperatures in March from 2014 to 2024 reveal a concerning trend, with all three cities confirming a notable rise in temperature, particularly evident in 2024. This upward trend in 2024 serves as compelling evidence of the current heat surge, despite the recorded maximum temperatures in Galle showing a decreasing trend over the same period. From coastal paradises to mountain havens and bustling cities, no region is untouched by the warming climate.
In conclusion, the surge in temperatures across Sri Lanka serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its far-reaching implications. By adopting adaptive measures and fostering resilience, Sri Lanka can navigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
-With inputs from G.R.Diwyanjalee–
