# Special Weather Alert for Sri Lanka Heavy Rains from January 8

- Link: https://www.weather.lk/special-weather-alert-for-sri-lanka-heavy-rains-from-january-8/
- Published: 2026-01-05T19:49:56+05:30
- Author: Weather LK

### Rains to Intensify Across Several Provinces from January 8 – Met Department Warns

The Department of Meteorology has issued a **Special Weather Bulletin**, warning
of deteriorating weather conditions across Sri Lanka as a low-level atmospheric 
disturbance in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify further in the coming 
days.

According to the **Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre**, the atmospheric disturbance
located to the southeast of Sri Lanka is likely to strengthen, leading to enhanced
showery conditions across the island. The Department stated that rainfall activity
is expected to increase from **Thursday, January 8**, particularly affecting the**
Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces**.

Meanwhile, showers are forecast to occur at times in the **Eastern, Central, Uva,
North-Central, and Northern provinces**. The Meteorology Department further warned
that **fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 millimetres** is likely at some locations
in the **Uva Province** and in the **Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa,
and Ampara districts**, raising concerns over possible localized flooding and landslides
in vulnerable areas.

In addition, **showers or thundershowers** are expected at several places in other
parts of the island **after 1.00 p.m. on January 6**, the Department noted. These
weather conditions may be accompanied by strong gusty winds and lightning.

The bulletin also cautioned that **strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres
per hour** may occur at times over the **eastern slopes of the central hills**, 
as well as in the **Northern, North-Central, North-Western, and Eastern provinces**.
Similar windy conditions are also expected in the **Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo,
and Monaragala districts**.

![](https://www.weather.lk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Wind-Animation-Rainbow_10-
m-above-gnd_ICON-Auto_20260109T0230000530-2-1024x538.jpg)

The **general public has been urged to remain vigilant** and closely monitor future
weather forecasts and official advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Authorities have also requested residents to take **adequate precautions to minimize
damage** caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Disaster management officials emphasized the importance of preparedness, particularly
for communities living in low-lying and landslide-prone areas, as weather conditions
are expected to remain unsettled over the next several days.

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