El Niño Forecast: Sri Lanka Faces Potential Flooding in October-November

Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology is forecasting a possibility of flooding during October and November due to prevailing El Niño conditions. Director General Ajith Wijemanna stated that above-average rainfall exceeding seasonal norms could be experienced during this period. While the current El Niño is weak, it is predicted to strengthen significantly, potentially becoming a strong or very strong event after November. Weather data analysis indicates a greater than 60% probability of an extremely strong El Niño phase developing between December and February. October and November typically account for about 30% of the island's annual rainfall.