Showers and thundershowers are expected at intervals across several parts of Sri Lanka over the next 24 hours, with the Department of Meteorology warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions.
Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, along with the districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara, are expected to experience frequent showers or thundershowers under cloudy skies.
Fairly heavy rainfall of around 75 mm is likely at some locations in Sabaragamuwa Province and in the districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara.
Strong winds of 40–50 km/h are also expected at times over the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central, and North-Western provinces. The public is advised to take necessary precautions against localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.
Marine Forecast
Showers or thundershowers are expected in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle. Winds will be westerly to south-westerly with speeds of 30–40 km/h.
Wind speeds may increase to 60–70 km/h in the sea areas from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota, while winds of 50–60 km/h are expected in the sea areas from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo, and Galle.
Sea conditions will be rough to very rough off the coast from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. The Department has advised naval and fishing communities not to venture into these waters until further notice.
Meanwhile, sea areas from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo, and Galle are expected to remain rough, and fishermen and mariners operating in these regions are urged to exercise extreme caution.
Wave heights of 2.5 to 3.0 metres are likely in the sea areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. Temporary strong gusty winds and very rough seas can also be expected during thundershowers.
