The Department of Meteorology Sri Lanka says the South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, bringing rainfall and strong winds to several parts of the country today (20).
According to the Department, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is expected in some areas.
Several spells of showers are also forecast in the Northern Province and in the districts of Anuradhapura and Hambantota. Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few locations in the Uva Province and in the districts of Ampara and Batticaloa after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds of 30–40 km/h are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces.
The public has been advised to take precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Rough seas and strong winds expected
The Department also warned of unsettled conditions in sea areas around the island.
Showers or thundershowers are expected in sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, while a few showers may occur elsewhere around the island during the evening or night.
Winds will be southwesterly at speeds of 30–40 km/h, increasing up to 50–60 km/h at times in sea areas stretching from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Mannar, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.
Sea areas along these coastal regions are expected to be rough at times, while other surrounding waters may remain moderate.
Wave heights may increase to around 2.0–2.5 metres in sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can also be expected during thundershowers, the Department added.
