By Muthuweera Guna Padma, a farmer from Anuradhapura, says that he can predict the weather using his traditional knowledge of the environment. He says that the hot winds that are blowing these days are a clear signal of an upcoming spell of drought.
In addition to Muthuweera’s prediction, meteorological experts have also warned of the possibility of drought in the northern, north-central, and eastern provinces, which have recorded normal to below-average rainfall from August to October.
The seasonal forecast for August indicates below-normal rainfall in the northern, north-central, and eastern provinces. Dry spells will impact the agriculture, energy, and water sectors.
Maps from the dry spell and SPI 3-month for 16th July to 15th August 2023 show the drier conditions in several provinces in Uva, Eastern, North Central, North, and North-western. Vegetation conditions monitored using satellite data in reference to 16th July to 15th August 2023 show poor conditions in several provinces, explaining a significant impact on food security among smallholder farmers.
Unfortunately, there is very little preparation from disaster management officials or agricultural authorities on how to face the possible drought.
