Editing Sri Lanka (section)

=== Climate ===
{{Main|Geography_of_Sri_Lanka#Climate}}
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map LKA present.svg|thumb|left|Sri Lanka map of Köppen climate classification]]

The climate is [[Tropical climate|tropical]] and warm because of moderating effects of ocean winds. Mean temperatures range from {{convert|17|°C|°F|1}} in the [[Central Highlands of Sri Lanka|Central Highlands]], where frost may occur for several days in the winter, to a maximum of {{convert|33|C|F|1|abbr=on}} in low-altitude areas. Average yearly temperatures range from {{convert|28|°C|°F|1|abbr=on}} to nearly {{convert|31|°C|°F|1|abbr=on}}. Day and night temperatures may vary by {{convert|14|C-change|F-change|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|18|C-change|F-change|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysrilanka.com/travel/theland/climate.htm |title=Climate & Seasons: Sri Lanka |website=mysrilanka.com |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010151923/http://www.mysrilanka.com/travel/theland/climate.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The rainfall pattern is influenced by [[monsoon]] winds from the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. The "wet zone" and some of the windward slopes of the central highlands receive up to {{convert|2500|mm|in|1}} of rain each year, but the leeward slopes in the east and northeast receive little rain. Most of the east, southeast, and northern parts of Sri Lanka constitute the "dry zone", which receives between {{convert|1200|and|1900|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain annually.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysrilanka.com/travel/theland/rainfall.htm |title=Sri Lanka Rainfall |work=mysrilanka.com |access-date=15 July 2014 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102072708/http://www.mysrilanka.com/travel/theland/rainfall.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

The arid northwest and southeast coasts receive the least rain at {{convert|800|to|1200|mm|in|abbr=on}} per year. Periodic squalls occur and sometimes [[tropical cyclone]]s bring overcast skies and rains to the southwest, northeast, and eastern parts of the island. Humidity is typically higher in the southwest and mountainous areas and depends on the seasonal patterns of rainfall.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.climatetemp.info/sri-lanka/ |title=Sri Lanka Climate Guide |publisher=climatetemp.info |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625222627/http://www.climatetemp.info/sri-lanka/ |archive-date=25 June 2012}}</ref> An increase in average rainfall coupled with heavier rainfall events has resulted in recurrent flooding and related damages to infrastructure, utility supply and the urban economy.<ref>[http://cdkn.org/resource/integrating-urban-agriculture-and-forestry-into-climate-change-action-plans-lessons-from-sri-lanka/ Integrating urban agriculture and forestry into climate change action plans: Lessons from Sri Lanka] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714214438/http://cdkn.org/resource/integrating-urban-agriculture-and-forestry-into-climate-change-action-plans-lessons-from-sri-lanka/ |date=14 July 2014 }}, Marielle Dubbeling, the RUAF Foundation, 2014</ref>