Meteorology Department warns of showers and possible heavy falls as residual effects linger and a new system develops in the Bay of Bengal.
A low-pressure system that had been positioned near Sri Lanka is moving westward away from the island, the Department of Meteorology said, yet its influence is expected to persist through Friday, bringing continued showers and thunderstorms to many parts of the country.
Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms Forecast Across Sri Lanka:
According to the latest forecast issued early on 23 October, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North-western provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura and Galle districts. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some places in these areas. Elsewhere across the island, showers or thundershowers are forecast after 1:00 p.m., with fairly heavy falls of more than 75 mm possible in certain locations.
Misty conditions are also expected in parts of the Central and Uva provinces during the early morning hours. The public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimise damage from temporary localised strong winds and lightning associated with thunderstorms.
Marine conditions remain unsettled. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas around the island. Winds will be south-westerly at 25-35 kmph, increasing to 40-50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Naval and fishing communities have been urged to remain attentive to further forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Rainfall Expected Across Sri Lanka Until 27 October:
Looking ahead, another low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal. Although this system is not expected to affect Sri Lanka directly, the associated winds flowing across the island could help sustain rainfall, particularly in the southwestern regions, until around 27 October.
The ongoing wet weather follows days of enhanced rainfall linked to the earlier low-pressure system and the positioning of the Intertropical Convergence Zone near the island. Authorities continue to monitor reservoirs and landslide-prone areas, with residents in hilly and river-valley regions advised to stay vigilant.
Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has emphasised the need for the public and seafaring communities to follow official updates closely as weather conditions remain unsettled over the coming days.