Heavy rain exceeding 100 mm may occur this evening in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Western, Northern, and North Central provinces, as well as in Galle and Matara districts. The Department of Meteorology points out that there is a high likelihood of severe lightning accidents accompanied by thundershowers in many parts of the island.

This special weather warning is effective from 1.00 pm today until 1.00 am on the 10th. The department cautioned that sea areas may experience temporary strong winds of around 60 to 70 kmph during thundershowers, and the seas could become very rough.

Key Points

  • Heavy rain exceeding 100 mm across several provinces including Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central.
  • Warning effective from 1.00 pm today until 1.00 am on the 10th.
  • Risk of wind speeds increasing up to 60 to 70 kmph.

Areas at risk

This condition may affect all Divisional Secretariat divisions in Anuradhapura, Kalutara, Kegalle, Kilinochchi, Kurunegala, Colombo, Gampaha, Galle, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya, Puttalam, Polonnaruwa, Badulla, Mannar, Kandy, Matara, Matale, Mullaitivu, Monaragala, Jaffna, Ratnapura, and Vavuniya districts.

In addition, the risk of thundershowers and lightning also prevails in Padiyathalawa in Ampara district, Koralaipattu in Batticaloa district, and the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Angunakolapelessa, Ambalantota, Okewela, Katuwana, Tangalle, Beliatta, Lunugamvehera, Weeraketiya, Sooriyawewa, and Hambantota in Hambantota district.

Safety instructions

As people in open areas face the danger of lightning strikes, the public is requested to avoid outdoor activities, sports, and construction work. The public is also advised to move into sturdy buildings or covered vehicles without staying under trees or at bus halts.

Small fishing boats should not venture out to sea, and those currently at sea should return to shore immediately. The Department of Meteorology also reminds the public to avoid using corded phones and connected electrical appliances during thundershowers, and to remain prepared to move to safe locations if required.

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