Heavy showers and rough seas expected across several areas

Several parts of Sri Lanka are expected to experience showers and thundershowers over the next 24 hours, with strong winds and rough sea conditions also forecast in several coastal areas.

 According to the latest weather forecast, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the districts of Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara.

Showers or thundershowers may also occur at a few places in Uva Province and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Mullaitivu districts after 2.00 p.m. Several spells of showers are expected in the North-Western Province.

Strong Winds Expected

Strong winds reaching speeds of around 30–40 kmph may occur at times over the North-Central, North-Western, Central and Southern provinces, as well as in Trincomalee District.

The public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage from temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Rough and Very Rough Seas Forecast

Meanwhile, several sea areas around the island are expected to experience showers or thundershowers during the next 24 hours.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

Winds over the surrounding seas are expected to be westerly to south-westerly, with speeds of around 30–40 kmph.

Wind speeds may exceed 60 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

Winds may also increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Batticaloa to Chilaw via Trincomalee, Kankasanthurai and Mannar, as well as from Galle to Matara.

Fishing and Naval Communities Warned

The sea areas extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota are expected to be rough or very rough at times. Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into these sea areas until further notice.

Sea areas extending from Batticaloa to Chilaw via Trincomalee, Kankasanthurai and Mannar, and from Galle to Matara, are expected to be rough at times. Fishing and naval communities operating in these areas have been urged to remain vigilant.

Wave heights could increase to approximately 2.5–3.0 metres in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Authorities also warn that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas may develop during thundershowers.

Residents, motorists and coastal communities are advised to remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly during thunderstorms.