Sri Lanka is expected to experience continued rainy weather on Thursday, 24 September 2026, particularly across the southwestern parts of the island. The prevailing weather pattern is being influenced by a deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal.
The Deep Depression is expected to move west-northwestwards and cross the coastal areas of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha in India during the night. Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow is likely to maintain rainy conditions over several parts of the country.
Heavy Rain Expected in Several Provinces
Showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is possible in some locations within these areas.
A few showers are also expected in the North-central Province and Mannar District. The public, particularly residents in areas expecting heavy rainfall, is advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions against possible weather-related impacts.
Strong winds of around 40–50 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central hills, the North-central and North-western provinces, and in the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.
The Department of Meteorology has advised the general public to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Warning Issued for Bay of Bengal Sea Areas
The deep depression is currently located approximately 1,000 km northeast of Kankasanthurai and is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards towards the Indian coastline.
Under the influence of this system, heavy thundershowers are expected over parts of the Bay of Bengal. Winds in those areas may occasionally increase to 70–80 kmph, causing very rough sea conditions.
Naval and fishing communities have been warned not to venture into sea areas between 7°N and 22°N latitude and 83°E and 95°E longitude until further notice. Those already operating in these areas are advised to move away from the affected zones and closely monitor weather forecasts and official bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Rain and Wind Conditions Around Sri Lanka
Around Sri Lanka, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may also develop in several other sea areas during the evening or night.
South-westerly winds are expected, with speeds of 30–40 kmph. Wind speeds could increase to 55–65 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Negombo via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and Puttalam, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Winds may reach up to 50 kmph in other surrounding sea areas.
Rough Seas and Increased Wave Heights
Sea conditions are expected to become rough or very rough at times in the areas from Trincomalee to Negombo via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and Puttalam, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Other sea areas around Sri Lanka are expected to be fairly rough at times.
Wave heights may increase to around 2.0–2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. Fishermen and other marine users are therefore urged to exercise extreme caution and remain attentive to official weather updates.
Overall, Sri Lanka can expect unsettled weather on 24 September, with heavy rain, strong winds and rough sea conditions affecting several areas.
