Issued at 2.00 p.m. on 05 January 2026
Weather conditions across Sri Lanka are expected to become increasingly unsettled as a low-level atmospheric disturbance located to the southeast of the island is likely to intensify further, according to the Department of Meteorology. As a result, showery conditions across the island, particularly in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central Provinces, are expected to enhance further from January 8. The influence of this developing system is expected to bring increased cloud cover, frequent rainfall and occasionally strong winds to several regions over the coming days.
Showers are expected to occur at times in the Eastern, Central, Uva, North-Central and Northern Provinces. These areas may experience intermittent rainfall throughout the day and night, with cloudy conditions prevailing for extended periods. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 millimetres is likely at some places in the Uva Province and in the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa and Ampara. Rainfall intensity may vary across these regions depending on localized atmospheric conditions, with some areas receiving more persistent showers than others.
In other parts of the island, showers or thundershowers may occur at several places after 1.00 p.m. Afternoon and evening thundershowers are common during periods of enhanced atmospheric instability, especially when daytime heating combines with increased moisture content in the air. These conditions may lead to brief but active showers across western, southern and interior regions, contributing to overall wet weather across the country.
Strong winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour can be expected at times over the eastern slopes of the central hills, as well as in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Eastern Provinces, and in the Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Monaragala districts. Wind conditions may vary during the day, with occasional gusty periods occurring alongside showers or thundershowers, particularly in exposed and elevated areas. Such winds may temporarily affect daily activities in these regions.
The expected intensification of the low-level atmospheric disturbance highlights the dynamic nature of current weather patterns affecting Sri Lanka. As the system continues to develop, its influence is likely to extend across a broader area, leading to more widespread rainfall and variable wind conditions. Monitoring weather updates is important during this period, as conditions may change depending on the movement and strength of the disturbance.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers, as rapidly changing weather conditions may occur in some areas during the forecast period.
