Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
Several spells of showers will occur in Anuradhapura district.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa district after 1.00 pm.
Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Hambantota district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR SEA AREAS AROUND THE ISLAND DURING NEXT 24 HOURS
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 18 May 2026
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere around the island in the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be southwesterly. Wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (55-60) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island can be moderate.
The wave height may increase (about 2.0 - 2.5m) in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota (this is not for land area).
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
