Cyclone Arnab Intensifies, Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Expected

Sri Lanka is expected to experience unsettled weather on 27 October 2026 as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensifies over the west-central Bay of Bengal. Showers and thundershowers will affect several parts of the island, while strong winds and rough seas are expected in coastal and offshore areas. Although the cyclone is not expected to directly impact Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow will continue to influence local weather conditions.

Cyclone Arnab Intensifies Over the Bay of Bengal

The Department of Meteorology reported that Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and was centred at 2.30 a.m. on 27 October near latitude 15.9°N and longitude 85.4°E. The system was located approximately 890 kilometres northeast of Kankasanthurai.

The cyclone is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards until 5.30 p.m. on 27 October before turning northwestwards. According to the forecast, it is likely to cross the Indian coastline through Andhra Pradesh as a very severe cyclonic storm by 11.30 a.m. on 28 October 2026.

Despite the system’s expected track towards India, its influence is likely to maintain showery conditions over southwestern parts of Sri Lanka. The public is advised to follow official weather updates as conditions may change.

Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Provinces

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 millimetres is likely at some locations in these areas. Residents should remain alert to changing weather conditions, particularly during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms.

A few showers or thundershowers are also expected in the Eastern Province after 1.00 p.m. Other areas may experience changes in weather depending on local atmospheric conditions.

The public is advised to take adequate precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. People should avoid exposed locations during lightning activity and secure loose outdoor objects where strong winds are expected.

Strong Winds Expected in Inland Areas

Strong winds reaching approximately 40–50 kmph are expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

These winds may affect outdoor activities, transportation and exposed locations. Residents in the affected areas should exercise caution, particularly during thunderstorms, when wind gusts may become stronger.

Cyclone Arnab Creates Dangerous Sea Conditions

The Department of Meteorology has issued a serious advisory for fishing and naval communities operating in the Bay of Bengal. Sea areas bounded by latitudes 10°N to 20°N and longitudes 80°E to 95°E may experience wind speeds of 80–140 kmph at times.

Heavy thundershowers are possible in these sea areas, while wave heights may increase to approximately 3–4 metres. Sea conditions are expected to become very rough.

Fishing and naval communities are warned not to venture into the affected sea areas until further notice. Those already operating in these locations are advised to move away from the affected areas and closely monitor future bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.

Strong Winds and Rough Seas Around Sri Lanka

Around the island, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas during the next 24 hours. Winds will generally be southwesterly at speeds of 30–40 kmph.

Wind speeds may increase to 60–65 kmph at times in deep and shallow sea areas extending from Colombo to Mullaittivu via Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Pottuvil and Batticaloa. In other surrounding sea areas, wind speeds may increase to 50 kmph at times.

Sea conditions in the areas from Colombo to Mullaittivu via the southern and eastern coastal regions will be very rough at times. Other sea areas around the island may also become rough.

Wave heights may reach approximately 2–2.5 metres in sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. Fishing and naval communities operating around Sri Lanka are urged to remain vigilant.

Temporarily strong wind gusts of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas may occur during thundershowers.

Public Advised to Follow Weather Updates

The Department of Meteorology advises the public to remain alert to changing weather conditions and take appropriate precautions against heavy rain, lightning and strong winds. Fishing and naval communities should strictly follow official marine advisories and avoid dangerous sea areas.

Although Cyclone Arnab is forecast to move towards India’s Andhra Pradesh coast, its influence may continue to affect Sri Lanka’s weather and surrounding seas. Residents, coastal communities and marine operators should monitor official forecasts and updates for further developments.