The Department of Meteorology says the South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, bringing widespread showers, strong winds, and rough sea conditions across several parts of the island over the next 24 hours.
According to the latest weather forecast issued at 5.30 a.m. today, showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.
Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely in some areas of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the districts of Galle and Matara.
Meanwhile, a few showers are expected in the Anuradhapura district, while evening or nighttime thundershowers may occur in parts of the Uva Province and the districts of Ampara and Batticaloa after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds ranging between 35 and 45 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, and Southern provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee district.
The Department of Meteorology has urged the public to take adequate precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Rough Seas and Strong Winds Around the Island
In its forecast for sea areas around the island, the Department stated that showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Southwesterly winds are expected at speeds of 30–40 kmph, increasing up to 50–60 kmph at times in the sea areas stretching from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.
The sea areas off these coastal regions are expected to be rough at times, with wave heights increasing between 2.0 and 3.0 metres. Other sea areas around the island will also be fairly rough.
The Department warned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough sea conditions can be expected during thundershowers and advised fishing and naval communities to remain vigilant
