Heavy Rains and Strong Winds to Lash South-Western Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); The prevailing showery conditions in the south-western part of the island are expected to persist due to an atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka.

Showers or thundershowers are anticipated at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, and Central provinces.

Some areas in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts, may experience very heavy showers exceeding 150mm. 

Elsewhere on the island, showers or thundershowers are expected in several locations during the evening or night, with fairly heavy showers above 75mm likely in some areas.

Strong winds ranging from 40-50 km/h are expected at times over the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, and Central provinces. 

Winds will be westerly to south-westerly in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo and Galle, with speeds of 30-40 km/h, increasing up to 55-65 km/h at times. 

In other sea areas around the island, winds will be south-westerly or variable in direction, with speeds of 25-35 km/h.

The general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle can be rough at times. 

Other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. Wave heights may increase to about 2.5–3.0 meters in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara. 

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during these adverse weather conditions.