Heavy Rain and Rough Seas Expected as Bay of Bengal System Strengthens
Sri Lanka Weather Update – 24 October 2026
Sri Lanka is expected to experience increased rainfall and unsettled weather conditions over the coming days as a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthens. The Department of Meteorology has also issued a warning for naval and fishing communities, advising them to avoid specified deep-sea areas until further notice as the system develops.
The low-pressure area located near the North Andaman Islands is very likely to intensify into a depression on 24 October. It is then expected to move west-northwestwards, strengthening into a deep depression by 25 October and potentially developing into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of 26 October.
Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow is likely to increase rainfall across the southwestern parts of the island during the next few days.
Rainfall Forecast for Sri Lanka
According to the latest forecast, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Northern and North Western provinces.
Other parts of the island are expected to experience showers or thundershowers after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is possible at some locations.
The public is advised to take precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms. Misty conditions may also develop at some locations in the Central and Uva provinces during the early morning hours.
Deep-Sea Warning Issued for Fishing Communities
The Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities not to venture into deep-sea areas bounded by 10°N–20°N latitude and 80°E–95°E longitude until further notice.
Vessels already operating within the affected sea areas are advised to move to safe locations. Fishing communities and naval personnel should closely monitor subsequent weather forecasts and official bulletins for updated safety instructions.
Strong Winds and Rough Seas Expected
Showers or thundershowers are expected in sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Matara.
Southwesterly winds are forecast at speeds of 30–40 kmph. However, wind speeds could increase to 50–60 kmph at times along the coastal sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil.
These sea areas may become rough, while temporarily strong gusts of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas are possible during thundershowers.
The public, particularly fishing communities and other sea users, are urged to follow official weather warnings as conditions evolve over the Bay of Bengal and surrounding waters.