Sri Lanka Weather Forecast: Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected as Southwest Monsoon Strengthens
The Southwest Monsoon is continuing to establish across Sri Lanka, bringing increased rainfall and strong winds to several parts of the island, according to the latest weather forecast issued at 5.30 a.m. on 26 May 2026 by the Department of Meteorology.
Showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Heavy rainfall of around 100 mm is likely at some places in these areas, increasing the risk of localized flooding, waterlogging and minor landslides in vulnerable locations.
Meanwhile, a few showers or thundershowers may also develop after 1.00 p.m. in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts.
Fairly strong winds of 30-40 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and across the Northern, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces, including the Trincomalee district. Residents in these areas are advised to remain cautious due to the possibility of temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Sea conditions around the island are also expected to remain unsettled during the next 24 hours. Showers or thundershowers are forecast in sea areas extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, while isolated showers may occur in other surrounding sea regions during the evening or nighttime.
Winds over the sea will be southwesterly with speeds ranging between 30-40 kmph. Wind speeds may increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Other sea areas around the island may also experience wind speeds up to 50 kmph.
Due to these conditions, sea areas off the coasts from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times, while the remaining sea areas are expected to be fairly rough. Wave heights between 2.0 and 2.5 meters may occur in the sea areas extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
Naval and fishing communities are strongly advised to remain alert and pay close attention to future weather advisories, as temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can develop during thundershowers.