Heavy Rains and Thundershowers Expected Across Much of Sri Lanka on January 1
The Department of Meteorology forecasts widespread showers and thundershowers across several parts of Sri Lanka on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with the risk of fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm in some areas.
According to the weather advisory issued at 2.00 p.m., showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Eastern, Central, North-Central, North-Western, and Uva provinces. Meteorologists warn that fairly heavy rain above 75 mm is likely at isolated locations in the Central, North-Western, and Uva provinces, as well as in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
Elsewhere across the island, afternoon and evening showers or thundershowers are expected after 2.00 p.m., contributing to generally unsettled weather conditions.
Misty conditions are forecast during the early morning hours in parts of the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, along with the Galle and Matara districts, which may reduce visibility, especially in hilly and low-lying areas.
The Department of Meteorology urges the general public to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions against temporary localized strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning associated with thundershowers. Residents in landslide-prone and flood-risk areas are advised to closely monitor official weather updates.
