Sri Lanka’s weather authorities have issued heavy rain and strong wind warnings as a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal continues to move west-northwestwards and strengthen.
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre issued an amber-level heavy rain advisory at 7.00 a.m. on 21 September 2026, valid until 7.00 a.m. on 22 September. The advisory covers the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, along with Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers are expected at times across these areas. The advisory warns that heavy rainfall of around 100 mm or more is possible at some locations.
Recent rainfall observations show that several areas have already recorded significant rainfall. Maliboda in Kegalle recorded 104 mm, the highest figure listed in the latest report. Kalupahana in Kegalle received 95.5 mm, while Maskeliya in Nuwara-Eliya recorded 85.5 mm. Polpitigama in Kurunegala received 85.0 mm, and Dammulla in Ratnapura recorded 82.5 mm.
Strong Winds and Rough Seas
A separate red-level warning for strong winds and rough seas has also been issued for multi-day boats operating in the deep sea areas of the Bay of Bengal. The warning was issued at 10.00 a.m. on 21 September and is valid for the next 24 hours.
The low-pressure system over the east-central Bay of Bengal is expected to move west-northwestwards and gradually intensify into a depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal on 21 September, followed by a deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal on 22 September.
The system is then expected to continue moving towards the west-northwest and could reach the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal near the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coasts around 23 September.
Winds in sea areas under the advisory category could reach 55–65 km/h at times, making the seas rough to very rough. In areas under the warning category, winds may increase to around 70 km/h, accompanied by heavy showers and rough to very rough sea conditions.
Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the affected sea areas between 5°N and 22°N latitude and 85°E and 100°E longitude until further notice. Those already operating in these waters have been urged to move away from the affected areas and closely follow weather bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Residents in areas affected by the heavy rain advisory and fishing and naval communities in the Bay of Bengal are advised to remain alert as weather conditions develop.