Sri Lanka Weather Forecast for 23 May 2026: Southwest Monsoon Strengthens with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
The Department of Meteorology says the Southwest monsoon is gradually becoming established over Sri Lanka, bringing increased rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions to several parts of the island. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain alert as heavy showers and gusty winds are expected throughout the day.
According to the latest weather forecast, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts. These intense showers may lead to localized flooding, falling trees and disruptions to transport in low-lying areas.
A few showers are also expected in the Anuradhapura district, while isolated evening thundershowers may occur in the Uva province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.
In addition to the rainy weather, fairly strong winds of about 35–45 kmph are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces and in the Trincomalee district. The public has been requested to take necessary precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning and temporary strong winds during thundershowers.
Meanwhile, sea conditions around the island are expected to remain rough over the next 24 hours. Showers or thundershowers will occur in sea areas from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Southwesterly winds are expected at 30–40 kmph, increasing up to 55–60 kmph at times in sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Wave heights may increase between 2.0 and 3.0 meters in sea areas from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Naval and fishing communities are advised to exercise extreme caution due to rough seas and temporarily strong gusty winds during thundershowers.
