Sri Lanka is expected to experience unsettled weather conditions on 31 May 2026, with showers, thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough sea conditions affecting several parts of the country. The southwest monsoon continues to influence weather patterns, bringing significant rainfall to many regions.
According to the latest forecast, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya. Residents in these areas should be prepared for frequent rain throughout the day. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is likely at some locations in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts, increasing the risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, a few afternoon or evening showers may also occur in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts. Most other areas are expected to experience comparatively less rainfall.
Strong winds will be another key feature of the day’s weather. Wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, and Southern provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee district. People are advised to take precautions against possible damage from falling branches, temporary structures, and lightning associated with thunderstorms.
Rough Seas and Marine Warning
Weather conditions at sea are expected to be challenging. Showers or thundershowers may occur in sea areas stretching from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. Southwesterly winds are forecast to strengthen significantly, reaching 60 to 65 kmph at times in the sea areas from Mullaittivu to Chilaw via Kankasanthurai and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
These sea areas are expected to be very rough, while other surrounding waters will remain fairly rough. Wave heights may increase to between 2.0 and 2.5 meters along parts of the western and southern coastal waters. Fishermen, naval operators, and maritime communities are advised to exercise extreme caution and closely monitor weather updates before venturing out to sea.