Weather Alert: Rain to Intensify as Low-Level Atmospheric Disturbance Develops East of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO – Weather patterns across Sri Lanka are expected to intensify over the coming days as a low-level atmospheric disturbance develops to the east of the island. According to the latest bulletin issued by the Department of Meteorology at 2:00 p.m. today, January 1, 2026, residents in the Eastern, Northern, and Uva provinces should prepare for an increase in showery conditions starting tomorrow, January 2.

The forecast indicates that showers will occur at times across the Eastern, Central, North-central, and Uva provinces. Significant rainfall is anticipated in the island’s interior and eastern coast, with fairly heavy falls exceeding 50 mm likely in parts of the Central and Uva provinces, as well as the Batticaloa and Ampara districts. Meanwhile, the Northern province is expected to experience several spells of rain throughout the day.

For those in the Western and North-western provinces, a few showers are expected along the coastal belts. In other parts of the island, localized showers or thundershowers may develop at a few places during the afternoon, specifically after 2:00 p.m.

Commuters and early-morning travelers are also advised to be cautious of misty conditions. Thick mist is expected to settle in parts of the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts, during the early hours of Friday morning, which may impact road visibility.

As the atmospheric disturbance evolves, the Department of Meteorology has issued a cautionary note to the general public. Individuals are strongly urged to take adequate precautions to minimize potential damage caused by lightning and temporary localized strong winds, which are common during thundershowers. Authorities recommend staying indoors during lightning activity and securing outdoor property against sudden wind gusts.