Sri Lanka is expected to experience showers and thundershowers across several provinces on Friday, 23 October 2026, as the influence of a low-pressure system near the island continues despite the system moving westward away from the country. According to the Department of Meteorology, heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is possible in some locations, while fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are expected in other parts of the island.
The public is advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions against lightning and temporary strong winds during thunderstorms.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Provinces
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North Western provinces. The same conditions are expected in the Anuradhapura and Galle districts, where some locations may receive heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected in other parts of the island after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is possible at some locations in these areas.
The Department of Meteorology has requested the public to take adequate precautions to minimise possible damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. People are advised to remain cautious during periods of intense rainfall, particularly when thunderstorms develop.
Misty conditions may also occur at some locations in the Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning. Motorists travelling through these areas should be mindful of reduced visibility
Sea Weather Forecast for Sri Lanka
The low-pressure system near Sri Lanka is moving westward away from the island, but its influence may continue to affect surrounding sea areas on 23 October.
Showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the sea areas around the island. South-westerly winds will prevail, with wind speeds ranging from 25 to 35 kilometres per hour.
Wind speeds may occasionally increase to between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour in sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, Matara and Hambantota. These sea areas may become fairly rough at times, while other sea areas around the island are expected to remain slight under normal conditions.
However, temporarily strong gusty winds reaching 60 to 70 kilometres per hour and very rough seas may occur during thundershowers.
New Low-Pressure Area Expected Over the Bay of Bengal
The Department of Meteorology has also warned that another low-pressure area is likely to form over the Southeast and adjoining East-central Bay of Bengal around 23 October 2026. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify further.
Naval and fishing communities are urged to closely monitor future weather forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology regarding this developing system.
Residents, motorists, fishermen and other members of the public should follow official weather updates and take appropriate safety measures as rainy and stormy conditions may continue across parts of Sri Lanka.
