The Department of Meteorology has issued warnings for substantial rainfall and hazardous sea conditions affecting multiple regions of Sri Lanka, with authorities advising the public and maritime communities to exercise caution.
Showers and thundershowers are anticipated across several provinces today, with the Department of Meteorology forecasting particularly heavy precipitation in certain areas. The Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces are expected to experience rain, along with the districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara, where cloud cover will dominate throughout the day.
The most significant rainfall is anticipated in parts of Sabaragamuwa Province and the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts, where accumulations of approximately 75 millimetres are possible. Strong wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are also expected to develop periodically across the North-central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central, and North-western provinces.
Maritime conditions are set to deteriorate significantly along coastal areas. The sea from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota is forecast to become rough or very rough, with wind speeds potentially reaching 60 to 70 kilometres per hour. Wave heights are expected to rise between 2.5 and 3 metres in waters stretching from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. Calmer but still rough conditions are anticipated from Kankesanthurai to Matara via Puttalam, Colombo, and Galle, with winds reaching 50 to 60 kilometres per hour.
The Department of Meteorology has advised naval and fishing communities to avoid venturing into the rougher sea areas until conditions improve. The public has been urged to take protective measures against potential damage from strong winds and lightning strikes associated with thunderstorms.
