Heavy Showers Expected as Severe Cyclone Murasu Moves Towards India
Sri Lanka is expected to experience unsettled weather conditions on 03 November 2026, with showers and thundershowers forecast across several provinces. Meanwhile, Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu continues to influence weather conditions over the Bay of Bengal as it moves towards the southern coast of India. The Department of Meteorology has issued important warnings for naval and fishing communities due to rough sea conditions and strong winds.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Provinces
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the North-Central, North-Western, Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee district.
Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is likely at some places in these areas. Showers may also occur in the Southern Province and Ampara district during the morning hours.
Misty conditions can be expected in some areas of the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning. The public is advised to take necessary precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu Approaches India’s Coast
Meanwhile, the cyclonic storm “Murasu” has intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal.
According to the Department of Meteorology, the system was located near latitude 14.1°N and longitude 81.4°E at 8.30 a.m. on 02 November 2026.
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast around midnight on 02 November or during the early hours of 03 November.
Warning for Naval and Fishing Communities
Due to the influence of the cyclone, naval and fishing communities are strongly advised not to venture into deep-sea areas bounded by 10°N–17°N and 80°E–85°E until further notice. Those already operating in these areas are advised to move to safer locations.
Fishing and naval communities are also advised to avoid deep-sea areas extending from Mannar to Trincomalee via Kankasanthurai until further notice. They should closely follow weather forecasts and official bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Rough Sea Conditions and Strong Winds
Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas around Sri Lanka. South-westerly or southerly winds will prevail at speeds of 25–35 kmph, occasionally increasing to 40–45 kmph in sea areas extending from Chilaw to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai.
These sea areas may become fairly rough at times, while other surrounding sea areas are expected to remain moderate. During thundershowers, temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas are possible.
The public, particularly fishing and maritime communities, should remain alert and follow official weather updates as Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu continues its movement across the Bay of Bengal.
