Heavy Afternoon Showers and Developing Cyclone in the Bay of Bengal
Sri Lanka is expected to experience scattered showers and thundershowers across several provinces on Sunday, 01 November 2026, while a developing tropical weather system over the Bay of Bengal is showing signs of further intensification. The Department of Meteorology has warned of potentially dangerous sea conditions and advised naval and fishing communities to avoid affected maritime areas.
Afternoon Showers and Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Provinces
According to the latest weather forecast issued by the Department of Meteorology at 5.30 a.m. on 01 November 2026, showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, as well as in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is likely at some locations in these areas. Meanwhile, mainly fair weather conditions are expected to prevail over the other parts of the island.
Misty conditions are also expected during the early morning hours in some areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces, together with the Kurunegala and Anuradhapura districts. Motorists are advised to remain cautious due to reduced visibility caused by morning mist.
The public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage from temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Developing Cyclone Threat in the Bay of Bengal
Meanwhile, significant developments are taking place over the Southeast Bay of Bengal, where a depression was located near latitude 10.9°N and longitude 87.5°E at 11.30 p.m. on 31 October 2026.
According to the Department of Meteorology, the system is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal around 11.30 a.m. on 01 November.
The system is further expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm around 11.30 p.m. on the same day. It is also very likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal by 02 November 2026.
Dangerous Sea Conditions and Warning for Fishermen
Wind speeds in the sea areas between 10°N–15°N latitudes and 80°E–90°E longitudes may occasionally increase to 70–80 kmph. Heavy showers or thundershowers are also expected, potentially creating very rough sea conditions.
The Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities not to venture into these affected sea areas until further notice. Those already operating in the identified regions are advised to move away from the affected areas.
Around Sri Lanka, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the surrounding sea areas. Northeasterly winds will prevail from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Batticaloa, while southwesterly or variable winds are expected in other sea areas. Wind speeds will generally range between 25 and 35 kmph.
Sea conditions around the island are expected to remain moderate. However, temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas may develop during thundershowers.
Naval and fishing communities are strongly advised to follow official weather forecasts and safety bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology as the developing Bay of Bengal system continues to intensify.
