Cyclone Arnab’s Influence Weakens, Rough Seas Continue

Sri Lanka is expected to experience a gradual reduction in the weather influence of Cyclone Arnab on Thursday, 29 October 2026, following the system’s landfall along the coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. The very severe cyclonic storm, which was previously located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, has crossed the Indian coastline. However, rough sea conditions, strong winds and showers are expected to continue in several areas.

Rainfall Forecast for Sri Lanka

Several spells of showers are forecast for the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. These areas may experience intermittent rainfall throughout the day.

Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at a few places in the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 1.00 p.m. Mainly fair weather conditions are expected to prevail in other parts of the island.

Despite the weakening influence of Cyclone Arnab, residents should remain alert to changing weather conditions, particularly during periods of rainfall and thunderstorms.

Strong winds reaching approximately 30–40 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.

Cyclone Arnab: Severe Sea Conditions and Strong Winds

Although Cyclone Arnab has crossed the coast of Andhra Pradesh, dangerous conditions are expected to persist over parts of the Bay of Bengal. The Department of Meteorology has warned that wind speeds in the sea areas bounded by 12°N to 20°N latitude and 80°E to 87°E longitude may increase to 80–100 kmph at times.

Heavy thundershowers are possible in these areas, while wave heights may reach approximately 3.0–4.0 metres. Sea conditions are expected to become very rough.

Naval and fishing communities have been warned not to venture into the affected sea areas until further notice. Those already operating in these waters are advised to move away from the affected areas and closely monitor future forecasts and official bulletins.

Sea Weather Forecast Around Sri Lanka

Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas around the island. South-westerly winds will prevail, with speeds of 30–40 kmph.

Wind speeds may increase to 50–60 kmph at times in the deep and shallow sea areas extending from Puttalam to Mullaitivu via Kankasanthurai, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. These sea areas are expected to be rough at times.

Wave heights may reach approximately 2.0–2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. During thundershowers, temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas may occur.

Public Safety Advice

The public, particularly fishing communities and other maritime operators, should take the necessary precautions and follow official weather updates. Small fishing boats and vessels should avoid affected sea areas while dangerous conditions persist.

Although the direct influence of Cyclone Arnab on Sri Lanka is gradually weakening, strong winds, thunderstorms and rough seas remain important concerns. People are advised to stay informed through official Department of Meteorology forecasts and bulletins.