It is highly likely that rest of the south west monsoon rainy season up to September is also going be in the 'below normal' category according to the latest long-range weather forecasts issued by the Meteorological agencies. Thus, all districts in the island may experience below average rainfall in coming months of the current Yala season. However, Dry zone districts may continue to experience occasional late afternoon short-duration showers or thunder showers, Dr.Punyawardena further said.

Meanwhile, almost all irrigation tanks in the country have a fairly good storage to continue the rest of the season in irrigated agriculture. But, both Dry and Intermediate zones where these tanks are concentrated do not usually receive substantial rains during rest of the season until mid September. Thus, it is necessary to use available storage in these tanks sparingly to minimize the risk of a water shortage situation at the tail end of the season.

Dr.Punyawardena also added that an updated weather communique would be released regularly during the rest of the season in consultation with the Colombo Met office and accessing other international Met agencies.