Several spells of showers are expected across parts of Sri Lanka on Thursday, 20 August 2026. Rainfall will mainly affect the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, along with Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may also develop at a few places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m. Meanwhile, mainly dry weather is expected to prevail across the other areas of the island.
The public is advised to remain cautious as fairly strong winds of around 30–40 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces, as well as in Trincomalee and Matale districts. Temporary localized strong winds and lightning may accompany thundershowers, and people are urged to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage.
Sea Areas Forecast
A few showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle during the next 24 hours. Winds will be westerly to south-westerly at speeds of 30–40 kmph.
Wind speeds may increase to 50–60 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. These sea areas will be rough at times.
Wave heights may increase to around 2.5–3.0 metres in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Galle and Matara. Nearshore sea areas from Beruwala to Matara via Galle may experience surges due to swell waves.
Naval and fishing communities are advised to remain alert and follow further weather updates and official warnings before engaging in sea-related activities.