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Sri Lanka Braces for Continued Monsoon Rains, Heavy Showers, and Strong Winds
The Pulse
EnvironmentGeneralHOTWednesday, May 20, 2026

Sri Lanka Braces for Continued Monsoon Rains, Heavy Showers, and Strong Winds

TLDR
  • Western, Sabaragamuwa, NW provinces face rains; 75mm showers possible.

  • 40-50 km/h winds hit highlands, North; 30-40 km/h elsewhere.

  • June 13-14 forecast: Rain in Mannar, Anuradhapura; lightning risk.

The Meteorology Department forecasts the ongoing establishment of the Southwest monsoon across Sri Lanka, bringing intermittent rain and thunderstorms to several provinces and districts. The Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, along with the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts, are expected to experience these conditions.

Rainfall Outlook:

Certain locations within these primary affected areas may receive heavy rainfall, with some places exceeding 50mm, and others potentially reaching up to 75mm or even 100mm.

Other Areas Affected:

* Uva province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts are likely to experience rain or thunderstorms, typically after 1 PM.

* A few rain showers are also possible in the Anuradhapura, Mannar, and Hambantota districts.

Wind Conditions:

Strong winds of 40-50 km/h are anticipated intermittently in the western slopes of the central highlands, the Northern and North-Central provinces, and the Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. The rest of the island can expect moderate strong winds of 30-40 km/h.

Sea Conditions:

Previously, advisories warned of very rough seas in areas from Kankesanturai to Mannar via Chilaw, and from Galle to Hambantota via Pottuvil, with winds potentially reaching 60-65 km/h. Fishing and naval communities were urged to be vigilant during these periods.

Public Advisory:

The public is advised to take necessary precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning that may accompany thunderstorms.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 Jun 14 · 3:00 AM

The Meteorology Department has forecast intermittent rain or thundershowers for June 14, 2026, in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts. Some rain is expected in Mannar and Anuradhapura districts. Strong winds of approximately 40-50 km/h are anticipated in the western slopes of the central highlands, Northern and North-Central provinces, and Hambantota and Trincomalee districts, with moderate strong winds (30-40 km/h) elsewhere. The department also noted the possibility of lightning with thundershowers and advised the public to take necessary precautions.

Update #2\u00b7 Jun 13 · 2:46 PM

The Meteorology Department has issued a forecast for June 13, 2026, predicting intermittent rain or thundershowers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts. Some areas may experience heavy showers up to 75mm. Rain showers are also expected in Mannar and Anuradhapura, while strong winds will affect the western slopes of the central highlands, Northern and North-Central provinces, and the Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

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