Atmospheric Disturbance Continues to Influence Island Weather; Heavy Rains Expected from January 5th
Sri Lanka’s weather patterns remain under the significant influence of a low-level atmospheric disturbance situated to the east of the island. According to the latest 36-hour general forecast issued by the Department of Meteorology at 4:00 p.m. today, January 3, 2026, showery conditions are expected to intensify further across the Northern, Eastern, and Uva Provinces starting Monday, January 5th.
For the immediate period, persistent showers are forecast to occur at times in the Eastern and Uva provinces, as well as the Polonnaruwa, Matale, and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Meanwhile, the Northern province and the Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts will see several spells of showers throughout the day.
In other parts of the island, the weather is expected to remain mostly fair in the morning, with localized showers or thundershowers potentially developing in a few places after 2:00 p.m. The Department noted that wind speeds could reach up to 50 kmph at times over several regions, including: The eastern slopes of the central hills. Northern, North-central, North-western, and Eastern provinces. Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo, and Monaragala districts.
As thundershowers are likely in the afternoon and evening hours, the general public is encouraged to take standard precautions to avoid risks associated with lightning and temporary localized strong winds.
Authorities will continue to monitor the atmospheric disturbance as it moves, with a more significant enhancement of rain projected for the early part of next week.
