Kesbewa Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Sri Lanka

Temperature

Kesbewa, located in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by consistent high temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature in Kesbewa remains within a narrow range of 25-30°C (77-86°F). The hottest months are March and April, with average temperatures rising to around 30°C (86°F). During the southwest monsoon season from May to September, the humidity increases, resulting in slightly lower but still warm temperatures averaging 27-29°C (81-84°F). The northeast monsoon season from December to February brings slightly cooler temperatures, with averages ranging from 25-28°C (77-82°F).

Rainfall

Kesbewa receives a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with two distinct monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon season, from May to September, brings heavy rainfall, with average monthly precipitation exceeding 200mm (8 inches). The northeast monsoon season, from December to February, also contributes to Kesbewa’s rainfall, but to a lesser extent, with average monthly precipitation ranging from 100-150mm (4-6 inches). The remaining months of March, April, and October to November experience relatively drier conditions, with average monthly rainfall below 100mm (4 inches).

Monthly Average Temperatures

Kesbewa, Sri Lanka experiences consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, with an average monthly temperature ranging from 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in the cooler months of January and February to 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) in the hotter months of April and May. The city’s proximity to the Indian Ocean contributes to its mild climate, providing a refreshing sea breeze and regulating temperatures during warmer periods.

Seasonal Variations

Kesbewa’s temperature variations follow a clear seasonal pattern. During the northeast monsoon season, which typically lasts from October to January, the city witnesses slightly cooler and drier conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius (73 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). The southwest monsoon season, spanning from May to September, brings heavier rainfall and increased humidity, resulting in higher average temperatures ranging from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius (80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit).

Cloud Formations in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka

Kesbewa, located on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, experiences a diverse range of cloud formations throughout the year. During the southwest monsoon season from May to September, towering cumulonimbus clouds often dominate the skies, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. These clouds can produce spectacular lightning displays and are a common sight in the region.

During the dry season, from December to March, Kesbewa skies are often adorned with wispy cirrus clouds. These high-altitude clouds are composed of ice crystals and can appear as streaks or thin veils. Cirrus clouds often indicate stable atmospheric conditions and clear weather. Additionally, Kesbewa experiences stratocumulus clouds, which have a layered appearance and can create a hazy sky. These clouds typically form in stable air and can persist for days.

Annual Precipitation

Kesbewa, Sri Lanka experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year. The city receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 2,500 millimeters (98.4 inches), which is distributed relatively evenly across the twelve months. The wettest months are May and October, each with an average rainfall of over 300 millimeters (11.8 inches). The driest months are January and February, with average rainfall below 100 millimeters (3.9 inches).

Seasonal Precipitation

The monsoon winds play a significant role in determining the seasonal distribution of precipitation in Kesbewa. During the southwest monsoon season from May to September, moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rainfall to the city. The northeast monsoon season from December to February brings less rainfall, as the winds originate from the drier continental regions of Asia. The inter-monsoon months of March, April, October, and November experience moderate rainfall, with occasional thunderstorms.

Rainfall Patterns

Kesbewa, Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by two prominent rainfall seasons. The Southwest Monsoon, from May to September, brings heavy rainfall as moisture-laden winds from the southwest blow over the country. During this period, Kesbewa receives an average of around 1,500 mm of rain, with July and August being the wettest months. The Northeast Monsoon, from December to March, contributes around 500 mm of rainfall, primarily in December and January.

Rainfall Variability

Rainfall patterns in Kesbewa exhibit significant interannual variability. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon strongly influences rainfall patterns, with El Niño years (characterized by warmer than average ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean) typically experiencing below-normal rainfall and La Niña years (colder than average temperatures) bringing above-normal rainfall. Additionally, Kesbewa’s location in the rain-shadow zone of the Western Ghats mountains can result in localized reductions in rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon season. Climate change is also projected to impact rainfall patterns in Kesbewa, with potential increases in extreme rainfall events and changes in seasonal distribution.

Background and Causes

Kesbewa is a city located in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka, known for its tropical climate. Snowfall, a rare occurrence in Sri Lanka, has never been recorded in Kesbewa’s history. Therefore, the premise of snowfall in Kesbewa is scientifically inaccurate and unsupported by any meteorological data or historical records.

Non-Occurrence of Snowfall

The geographical location and climatic conditions of Sri Lanka, including Kesbewa, are not conducive to snowfall. Sri Lanka is located near the equator, resulting in high temperatures and humidity year-round. The average temperature in Kesbewa ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), with minimal seasonal variations. Additionally, the absence of high mountain ranges or cold fronts in the area prevents the formation of snow-bearing clouds. Therefore, the occurrence of snowfall in Kesbewa is highly improbable and has never been observed.

Sun in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka

Kesbewa, situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical climate with year-round sunshine. The sun’s intensity varies throughout the year, with the dry season (December to April) being the sunniest. During this time, Kesbewa experiences long hours of sunshine, with minimal cloud cover. The average daily sunshine duration during the dry season is approximately 8-10 hours.

The wet season (May to November) brings increased cloud cover and occasional showers. However, Kesbewa still receives a significant amount of sunshine, averaging around 6-8 hours per day. Even during the monsoon months of May and June, there are often breaks in the clouds, allowing for sporadic sunshine. The sun’s rays can be particularly strong during the afternoon, especially in the absence of cloud cover. It is important to take precautions against excessive sun exposure, such as wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.

Transit of the Moon in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka

On May 16, 2023, a total lunar eclipse will be visible in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka. The eclipse will begin at 4:17 PM local time and will reach its maximum phase at 6:29 PM. The total eclipse will last for one hour and 25 minutes, and the entire event will be visible from Kesbewa.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. The Earth’s shadow is divided into two parts: the umbra and the penumbra. The umbra is the darkest part of the shadow, and the penumbra is the lighter part. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the umbra. This causes the Moon to appear red or orange, as the only light that reaches it is from the Earth’s atmosphere.

Humidity Levels in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka

Kesbewa, Sri Lanka, experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high humidity levels throughout the year. The average annual relative humidity is around 72%, with variations depending on the season. During the dry season from December to March, humidity levels tend to be slightly lower, averaging around 65-70%. However, during the monsoon seasons, particularly from May to November, humidity rises to around 80-85%.

The high humidity in Kesbewa is attributed to its proximity to the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. The warm, moist air from these bodies of water is carried inland, leading to high levels of water vapor in the atmosphere. Additionally, the mountainous terrain surrounding Kesbewa can trap moisture, further contributing to the high humidity. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can make it feel particularly oppressive during the summer months, especially for those unaccustomed to humid environments.

Wind Patterns

Kesbewa, Sri Lanka experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by strong seasonal winds. During the southwest monsoon season (May to September), the prevailing winds blow from the southwest, bringing heavy rainfall to the western lowlands. These winds typically reach speeds of 10 to 20 knots (19 to 37 km/h).

Seasonal Variations

The wind patterns in Kesbewa vary significantly throughout the year. During the northeast monsoon season (December to March), the prevailing winds shift to the northeast, bringing drier conditions to the region. These winds are generally weaker, reaching speeds of 5 to 10 knots (9 to 19 km/h). The intermonsoonal months (April and October-November) are characterized by variable winds and occasional thunderstorms.

Best time to visit for pleasant weather

The ideal time to visit Kesbewa for pleasant weather is during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and from September to October. During these months, the temperatures are moderate, ranging from the mid-20s to the low-30s Celsius (mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit). The humidity is also lower during these months, making it more comfortable to explore the city.

Best time to visit for festivals and events

If you’re interested in experiencing Kesbewa’s vibrant culture, the best time to visit is during the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year in April, the Vesak Poya festival in May, and the Deepavali festival in October or November. These festivals showcase traditional customs, music, and dance, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. The National Day Parade, held on February 4th, is another significant event that attracts many visitors.

Potential of Solar Energy in Kesbewa, Sri Lanka

Kesbewa, a growing town in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, experiences abundant sunshine year-round, making it an ideal location for solar energy development. The average daily solar insolation in Kesbewa exceeds 5 kWh/m2, offering a significant potential for generating renewable electricity. By harnessing this solar energy, Kesbewa can contribute to the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

The Sri Lankan government has recognized the importance of solar energy and has introduced various incentives to promote its adoption. These include tax exemptions on imported solar panels, net metering schemes, and low-interest loans for solar installations. However, challenges remain, such as the high upfront investment costs and the need for government subsidies to make solar energy more affordable for households and businesses. Additionally, grid infrastructure limitations may hinder the integration of large-scale solar farms into the national grid.

Topography of Kesbewa

Kesbewa is a suburban town located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Colombo. The topography of Kesbewa is primarily characterized by a combination of rolling hills and flat alluvial plains. The hills are an extension of the Sri Lankan Central Highlands, with elevations ranging from 50 to 150 meters above sea level. The flat plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of the Kelani River, which flows along the western boundary of the town. The river has created a fertile floodplain that supports extensive agriculture in the area.

Geographic Features

The most prominent geographic feature in Kesbewa is Kesbewa Hill, which rises to an elevation of 120 meters above sea level. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the town of Kesbewa and the Kelani River. Other notable hills in the area include Belihuloya Hill and Kadawatha Hill. The town is also home to several lakes and reservoirs, including the Kesbewa Reservoir, which provides water for irrigation purposes. The Kelani River has created several islands within its floodplain, which are covered with lush vegetation and serve as important habitats for wildlife.

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Situated approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Kesbewa, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the closest airport to the town. As Sri Lanka’s primary international gateway, CMB handles a significant portion of the country’s air traffic. It serves as the hub for Sri Lankan Airlines and is well-connected to destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The airport offers a range of amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange counters, and transportation services to Kesbewa and other destinations in Sri Lanka.

Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)

Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML), located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Kesbewa, is a smaller airport primarily serving domestic flights. It is often utilized for private and charter flights, as well as training and recreational purposes. RML operates a limited number of scheduled flights to several cities within Sri Lanka, including Kandy, Ampara, and Weerawila. The airport provides basic amenities such as a waiting lounge, a snack bar, and limited ground transportation options.

History of Kesbewa, Sri Lanka

Kesbewa, a bustling city located in the Colombo District of Sri Lanka, boasts a rich historical background. The area has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of early settlements dating back to the Anuradhapura Kingdom (3rd century BC – 10th century AD). Kesbewa played a significant role in the Kandyan Kingdom (1597-1815), serving as a strategic outpost for the Kandyan kings. During the British colonial period (1815-1948), Kesbewa witnessed the establishment of several tea plantations, which played a vital role in the local economy.

Modern Kesbewa: A Thriving Metropolis

Today, Kesbewa is a thriving metropolis with a population of approximately 80,000 people. The city has experienced significant growth and development in recent decades, becoming a major commercial and residential hub. It boasts a bustling central business district, numerous shopping malls, and a wide range of educational institutions. Kesbewa is also home to several industrial zones, contributing to the city’s economic prosperity. Despite its urban transformation, Kesbewa retains a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical landmarks and religious sites. The city is well-connected to the rest of Sri Lanka through its transportation network, including a railway station and a highway system.