Sri Lanka Weather Forecast for 17 May 2026: Showery Conditions Continue Across Several Provinces
The Department of Meteorology says the low-pressure area located to the north of Sri Lanka is gradually weakening, but its influence will continue to bring unsettled weather conditions to many parts of the island today.
According to the latest forecast issued at 5.30 a.m. on 17 May 2026, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces, along with the Galle and Matara districts. Cloudy skies are also expected over these areas throughout the day. Several spells of showers are likely in the Anuradhapura district as well.
Meanwhile, a few showers or thundershowers may develop after 1.00 p.m. in the Uva and Eastern provinces and in the Polonnaruwa district. The public has been advised to take precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Sea conditions around the island are expected to remain unsettled over the next 24 hours. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle, while evening or night showers are expected in several other sea areas.
Winds will be southwesterly with speeds of 25–35 kmph, increasing up to 50–55 kmph at times in sea areas from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. These sea areas may become rough at times, and temporarily strong gusty winds with very rough seas are possible during thundershowers.