Abstract:
Tropicalcyclones are the one of the most hazardous weather events in the world .The
most affected areas of these systems are China, Bangladesh and Eastern coast of
India.In case of Sri Lanka only 17 cyclones have crossed the country during last 100
years(1901-2000).Fifteen cyclones have crossed over the eastern part of the country
and 2 over the western side of the country. Although 17 cyclones have crossed the
country so far, many of them were formed in the Bay of Bengal and lot of
depressions,Deep depressions and both low and upper air disturbances formed in the
vicinityof the country have affected the rainfalls and the weather conditions of the
country.In this study only the influenceof Tropical cycloneswhich crossed Sri Lanka
have been considered and their tracks, movements and rainfall distribution and the
contribution to the annual rainfall of the country when the cyclone approaching,
crossing and moving away from the country were studied. Three days cumulative
rainfallof all rainfallstations includingMeteorological slations for the construction of
Maps and only Meteorological station were considered for analyzing of daily rainfall
variationto minimizeerrors.
Rainfallcontribution from the cyclones crossed Sri Lanka over the western side is
greaterthan the cyclones, which crossed over the Eastern side. In comparison to the
other areas the amount of rainfall received in the Southeastern and Northwestern
regions are lower than the other regions. Peak rainfall pattern can be observed 7-10
daysprior to date of crossing. Some of the characteristics of these cyclones have also
beenfound.
