The Department of Meteorology has warned of escalating rainfall and strong winds across southwestern regions as the active southwest monsoon strengthens over the coming days.
The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather alert for the southwestern portions of Sri Lanka, forecasting a significant intensification of rainfall and windy conditions beginning Thursday. The alert comes as the active southwest monsoon system strengthens in the region, with adverse weather expected to persist for several consecutive days.
According to the department's 36-hour forecast, multiple provinces face rainfall threats. The Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces are expected to experience intermittent showers and thunderstorms, alongside persistent cloud cover. Several districts—including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara—are similarly forecast to receive substantial precipitation. Particularly concerning, the meteorological authority warns that certain locations within the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as parts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle districts, may experience heavy rainfall surpassing 100 millimetres. Additional scattered showers are anticipated in the Ampara, Batticaloa, and Monaragala districts after 2:00 p.m.
Beyond rainfall concerns, strong wind conditions pose an additional hazard. Wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are expected to develop intermittently across the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central, and North Western provinces. The Meteorology Department has urged residents throughout affected areas to implement protective measures against potential wind damage and lightning strikes associated with the approaching thunderstorms.
