Showery conditions are expected to further enhance across several parts of Sri Lanka over the next few days beginning from 17 February. Increased rainfall activity will mainly affect the Northern, North-Central, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces.
Showers will occur at times in the Northern, North-Central, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces, as well as in the Hambantota District. Heavy rainfall of about 100 mm is likely at some places in the Eastern, Uva and North-Central provinces and in the Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Residents in these areas are advised to remain alert, particularly in low-lying and landslide-prone regions, as intense rainfall may lead to temporary flooding or soil instability.
Elsewhere on the island, showers or thundershowers will develop at several places after 1.00 p.m. These afternoon and evening thundershowers may be accompanied by temporary localized strong winds and lightning. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize potential damage caused by such weather conditions. Outdoor activities should be planned carefully, especially during the afternoon hours.
Misty conditions can be expected during the early hours of the morning in parts of the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts. Reduced visibility may affect motorists, particularly in elevated and inland areas.
For the sea areas around the island during the next 24 hours, a low-pressure area continues to persist over the central parts of the south Bay of Bengal, southeast of Sri Lanka. Naval and fishing communities are requested to remain attentive to future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Trincomalee via Batticaloa. Winds will be north-easterly at 30–40 kmph, increasing up to 50 kmph at times in sea areas from Kalutara to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. These sea areas will be rough at times, while others will remain moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.