The Department of Meteorology Sri Lanka says showers are expected in several parts of Sri Lanka today as the South-West monsoon gradually establishes over the island.
According to the Department, showers 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 likely in some areas.
Several spells of showers are also expected in the Northern Province and the Anuradhapura District.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers may develop at a few places in the Uva Province and in the districts of Ampara and Batticaloa after 2.00 p.m.
Fairly strong winds of around 30–40 km/h can be 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 sea conditions forecast
The Department also warned of unsettled sea conditions around the island.
Showers or thundershowers are expected in sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, while isolated 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 extending from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wind speeds may also increase to around 50 km/h in sea areas from Kankasanthurai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee and from Colombo to Galle.
Sea areas off the coasts from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota are expected to be rough at times, while sea areas from Kankasanthurai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee and from Colombo to Galle will be fairly rough.
Wave heights may rise to around 2.0–2.5 metres in sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.
The Department further warned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can occur during thundershowers.
