Heavy Rainfall, Strong Winds and Rough Seas Expected

Sri Lanka is expected to experience increased rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions on Sunday, 25 October 2026, as a depression over the Bay of Bengal continues to intensify. According to the Department of Meteorology, heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some locations, particularly across the southwestern parts of the island and several other provinces.

Depression Over the Bay of Bengal May Intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm

The low-pressure area located near the North Andaman Islands has intensified into a depression. According to the weather bulletin issued at 5.30 a.m. on 25 October, the system was centred near latitude 15.5°N and longitude 91.0°E at 11.30 p.m. on 24 October 2026.

The system is expected to strengthen into a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeastern Bay of Bengal on 25 October. Moving west-northwestwards, it is forecast to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 26 October and potentially become a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of 27 October.

Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow is likely to increase rainfall across parts of the island during the next few days. The southwestern region, in particular, may experience significant rainfall as the weather pattern develops.

Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Provinces

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western and Northern provinces. Rainfall is also expected in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Anuradhapura districts. Heavy falls exceeding 100 mm are likely at some locations in these areas.

Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.

Residents in areas expecting heavy rainfall are advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions and follow official announcements. People should take precautions against possible localised flooding, water accumulation and other disruptions associated with intense rainfall.

Strong Winds Expected in Several Areas

Fairly strong winds ranging from 40 to 50 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.

Temporary strong gusts may also occur during thundershowers. The public is advised to take appropriate precautions, particularly in exposed locations and areas vulnerable to strong winds.

Rough Seas and Strong Winds Along the Coast

The Department of Meteorology has warned that the developing depression could significantly affect sea conditions around Sri Lanka. Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the surrounding sea areas during the next 24 hours.

South-westerly winds are forecast at speeds of 30–40 kmph. However, wind speeds may increase to 50–60 kmph at times in sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Kankasanthurai, Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

These sea areas are expected to be rough at times, while other sea areas around the island may become fairly rough. Wave heights could increase to approximately 2.0–2.5 metres in sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. During thundershowers, temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas are possible.

Warning for Naval and Fishing Communities

Naval and fishing communities are strongly advised not to venture into deep-sea areas bounded by 10°N–20°N and 80°E–95°E until further notice. Those already operating within these areas are advised to move to safe locations.

The public, particularly coastal residents and fishing communities, should closely monitor updates and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.

With the Bay of Bengal system expected to strengthen further, continued attention to official weather updates will be important over the coming days as rainfall, wind and sea conditions evolve across Sri Lanka.