Climate for Station: Hambantota, Southern Province, Sri Lanka

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Climate Analysis & Overview

Hambantota, located in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, exhibits a complex climate narrative with contrasting temperature trends and a notable shift in precipitation patterns. The region, influenced by its coastal geography, is experiencing a cooling trend in maximum temperatures over the long term, while minimum temperatures show a slight warming. Precipitation is becoming more concentrated, hinting at potential impacts on local agriculture and water management strategies.

Coastal Climate Dynamics

Hambantota, situated along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, falls under the Tropical Savanna climate classification (Aw) according to the Köppen system. This classification is characterised by a distinct wet and dry season, influenced heavily by the monsoon winds and the proximity to the Indian Ocean. The local geography, with its coastal plains and occasional inland hills, plays a significant role in modulating the area's climate patterns.

Temperature Trends: A Tale of Two Metrics

Over the past decade, Hambantota has experienced a rise in maximum temperatures by 0.21°C (0.38°F), indicating a short-term warming trend. However, when considering the all-time data, there is a slight cooling of 0.00°C (0.00°F) in maximum temperatures, which suggests a stabilisation or even a reversal of this trend over a longer period. Conversely, minimum temperatures have shown a fall of 0.80°C (1.44°F) over the last ten years, contrasting with a long-term rise of 0.15°C (0.27°F). These divergent trends highlight the complexity of local climate dynamics, possibly influenced by broader regional climatic shifts and localised factors.

Precipitation Patterns: Increasing Concentration

The Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) for Hambantota has increased from a baseline of 12.5 to a current value of 14.0. This indicates a more concentrated rainfall pattern, where precipitation is occurring in fewer, more intense events. Such a change can have significant implications for water resource management and agricultural practices, potentially leading to periods of drought interspersed with intense rainfall.

Extreme Temperature Records

Hambantota's climate extremes are marked by a record high of 39.2°C (102.6°F) and a record low of 15.6°C (60.1°F). These records underscore the potential for significant temperature variability in the region, which can affect both natural ecosystems and human activities.

Regional Climate Considerations

Sri Lanka's commitment to addressing climate change through national policies and international agreements provides a critical backdrop to Hambantota's climate profile. Recent weather events, such as cyclones and erratic monsoon patterns, further emphasise the need for adaptive strategies in the face of changing climatic conditions. As Hambantota navigates these challenges, understanding its unique climate dynamics will be essential for sustainable development and resilience planning.

Station Statistics

10-Year Trend

High: +0.21 °C/decade

Low: -0.80 °C/decade

Rain: +1.27 mm/decade

25-Year Trend

High: -0.52 °C/decade

Low: +0.37 °C/decade

Rain: -0.36 mm/decade

50-Year Trend

High: -0.14 °C/decade

Low: +0.46 °C/decade

Rain: -0.11 mm/decade

All-Time Trend

High: -0.00 °C/decade

Low: +0.15 °C/decade

Rain: -0.11 mm/decade

Percentage Above-Average Days

Last 12 Months: 24.9%

This Year: 0.0%

Precipitation Concentration Index (PCI) ℹ️

Last 12 Months: 15.4

Historical Average: 14.5

Percentile Rank of Last 12 Months ℹ️

High: 54th percentile

Low: 90th percentile

Rain: 66th percentile

Change in Variance ℹ️

High: +40.6%

Low: -43.2%

Intraday: +24.0%

Data Coverage

61.3%

First Year of Data

1869

Station Location

Historical Weather Records

Max HighAvg HighMin HighMax AvgAvg AvgMin AvgMax LowAvg LowMin LowMax PrecipitationAvg PrecipitationMax SnowAvg Snow
Record39.2 °C23.0 °C31.9 °C22.2 °C29.7 °C15.6 °C111.0 mm
January34.7 °C29.7 °C23.0 °C29.8 °C26.5 °C22.3 °C26.8 °C22.8 °C17.7 °C89.0 mm2.4 mm
February35.7 °C30.3 °C24.7 °C30.5 °C27.0 °C23.6 °C27.4 °C23.0 °C15.6 °C70.3 mm1.7 mm
March35.3 °C30.9 °C26.0 °C30.8 °C27.9 °C23.6 °C27.9 °C23.8 °C17.4 °C48.6 mm1.9 mm
April36.0 °C31.3 °C26.4 °C31.4 °C28.3 °C24.5 °C29.0 °C24.9 °C19.4 °C68.6 mm3.4 mm
May36.4 °C30.7 °C24.7 °C31.9 °C28.2 °C24.5 °C28.8 °C25.5 °C19.5 °C61.5 mm3.3 mm
June37.2 °C30.4 °C24.2 °C31.5 °C27.9 °C22.2 °C29.7 °C25.1 °C21.2 °C70.1 mm2.1 mm
July36.3 °C30.7 °C25.0 °C31.6 °C27.8 °C23.0 °C28.9 °C24.8 °C21.2 °C48.7 mm1.6 mm
August39.2 °C30.4 °C24.7 °C31.4 °C27.5 °C24.2 °C28.3 °C24.6 °C20.1 °C54.1 mm2.3 mm
September36.5 °C30.1 °C24.4 °C31.0 °C27.4 °C23.2 °C27.6 °C24.6 °C20.6 °C78.7 mm3.7 mm
October36.9 °C30.1 °C24.4 °C30.7 °C27.3 °C24.0 °C27.5 °C24.3 °C20.2 °C102.1 mm4.8 mm
November35.5 °C29.9 °C24.2 °C29.8 °C26.9 °C23.2 °C27.2 °C23.7 °C19.6 °C103.9 mm6.9 mm
December34.8 °C29.5 °C24.1 °C29.1 °C26.5 °C22.7 °C28.5 °C23.2 °C18.2 °C111.0 mm4.6 mm

Data Visualisations

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Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical

Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Max Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Min Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Average Temperature this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Rainfall this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Relative Humidity this Year
Current Year Climate Trends vs Historical - Max Wind Gusts this Year

Max Temperature this Year | 1 of 6

Climate 12-Month Moving Averages

Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Max Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Min Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Average Temperature 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Rainfall 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Relative Humidity 12-Month MA
Climate 12-Month Moving Averages - Peak Wind Gust 12-Month MA

Max Temperature 12-Month MA | 1 of 6

Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year

Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Max Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Min Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Temperature Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Relative Humidity Throughout Year
Daily Data Points and Averages Throughout the Year - Average Peak Wind Gust Throughout Year

Average Max Temperature Throughout Year | 1 of 5