The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather alert for a slight increase in rainfall across southwestern Sri Lanka beginning July 28, with strong winds and rough seas expected in multiple coastal areas.

A gradual intensification of rainfall is forecast across the southwestern portions of Sri Lanka over the coming days, according to the Department of Meteorology. Showers are expected to develop across the Western and North-western provinces, as well as in the Sabaragamuwa region and the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya. The remainder of the island is anticipated to experience predominantly dry conditions during this period.

Several coastal regions face hazardous weather conditions, with rough seas expected off the southern coast between Galle and Pottuvil via Hambantota, where wave heights may reach between 2.0 and 2.5 meters. Additional rough conditions are forecast for waters extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil and from the northwestern coast near Kankasanthurai via Mannar. Showers are also expected to occur at multiple locations in sea areas off the coast from Negombo to Matara.

Strong winds pose an additional concern across several regions. Wind speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are anticipated over the Western slopes of the Central highlands, the Northern and North-central provinces, and the districts of Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Puttalam. In certain offshore areas, wind speeds may intensify to 50-60 kilometers per hour. The Department of Meteorology has advised the public to exercise appropriate precautions against potential damage from sudden strong gusts and lightning during thundershowers.