Issued at 2.00 p.m. on 06 January 2026
Weather conditions across Sri Lanka are expected to become increasingly unsettled as a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, located to the southeast of the island, is likely to intensify into a depression during the next 24 hours, according to the Department of Meteorology. This developing weather system is expected to move west-northwestwards towards the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, bringing enhanced rainfall activity and stronger winds across several regions. As a result, showery conditions over the island, particularly in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central Provinces, are expected to intensify further from January 8.
Showers are expected to occur at times in the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa, Ampara, Polonnaruwa and Matale districts. These areas may experience intermittent rainfall throughout the day, with cloudy conditions prevailing for extended periods. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres is likely at some places in these regions, contributing to generally wet weather conditions. Rainfall intensity may vary from location to location depending on localized atmospheric developments associated with the approaching system.
Several spells of showers are also expected in the Northern Province and in the Anuradhapura and Trincomalee districts. These areas may experience periods of rain alternating with cloudy intervals, as moisture associated with the developing depression spreads across the northern and northeastern parts of the island. Rainfall in these districts is expected to occur in spells rather than as continuous rain, with varying intensity during the forecast period.
In other parts of the island, showers or thundershowers may occur at several places after 1.00 p.m. Afternoon and evening thundershowers are common during periods of increased atmospheric instability, particularly when daytime heating combines with high moisture levels. These thundershowers may affect western, southern and interior regions and are expected to be scattered in nature, contributing to unsettled weather conditions during the latter part of the day.
Strong winds reaching speeds of around 50 kilometres per hour can be expected at times over the eastern slopes of the central hills, as well as in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Eastern Provinces, and in the Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Monaragala districts. Wind conditions may fluctuate throughout the day, with occasional gusty periods occurring alongside showers or thundershowers, particularly in exposed areas, coastal regions and elevated terrain.
The expected intensification of the low-pressure system into a depression highlights the active nature of the current weather pattern affecting Sri Lanka. As the system continues to move closer to the island, its influence is likely to extend across a wider area, leading to more widespread rainfall and variable wind conditions over the coming days.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers, as weather conditions may change rapidly in several parts of the island during the forecast period.
