Weather Warning Issued as Torrential Rain Targets Western Province

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is expected to experience another day of severe weather conditions, with the Department of Meteorology warning that rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres is likely in several parts of the country as the low-pressure system near the island continues to exert a significant influence.

Director of Forecasting at the Department of Meteorology, Meril Mendis, said the low-pressure area that developed near Sri Lanka is currently situated to the island's northwest and is continuing to generate widespread cloud cover and rainfall across much of the country.

He noted that intermittent showers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western, Southern and Northern Provinces, while some locations could receive heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres.

According to the Department, the heaviest rains recorded during the past 24 hours were concentrated in parts of the Central Highlands, the North-Western Province and the Northern Province, with further intense rainfall expected today, particularly in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces.

The Meteorology Department warned that the system is moving westward only gradually, meaning its impact is expected to persist throughout the day and into tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, intermittent showers or thundershowers are also forecast for the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-Western Provinces, as well as the Mannar District. In the rest of the country, showers or thundershowers are expected after 1.00 p.m.

Authorities have urged the public to remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and waterlogging. Fishermen and the maritime community have also been advised to exercise caution, as rain and thundershowers are expected in the western, southern and northern sea areas.