COLOMBO, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka could face lower rainfall and possible drought conditions in July and August if El Nino develops, a senior official at the Department of Meteorology said on Wednesday.
Ajith Wijemanna, acting director general of the department, said rainfall could fall sharply during those months, raising risks for agriculture, irrigation, water supply, energy and public health.
The World Meteorological Organization, the UN weather agency, has said there is an 80 percent chance that El Nino conditions will emerge between June and August, and a 90 percent chance thereafter.
Wijemanna said El Nino usually lasts nine to 12 months. If it develops this year, its impact on Sri Lanka could continue until February 2027, he said.
He added that forecasts show an almost 40 percent chance of the system strengthening into a strong El Nino by November, December and January. ■
