Sea Area Weather Forecast for Sri Lanka: Rough Seas and Strong Winds Expected Over Next 24 Hours
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 20 December 2025
The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather advisory for sea areas around Sri Lanka, warning of rough sea conditions, strong winds, and thundershowers during the next 24 hours.
Showers are expected at several locations in the sea areas off the coast from Batticaloa to Hambantota via Pottuvil. In addition, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas from Colombo to Matara via Galle, particularly during the evening or night.
Winds over the surrounding sea areas will be north-easterly, with wind speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph. However, wind speeds may increase up to 45–50 kmph at times, especially in the sea areas from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
Sea conditions are expected to be fairly rough at times in the affected coastal waters extending from Colombo to Mannar via Puttalam and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Elsewhere around the island, sea conditions will remain moderate.
The Meteorology Department further warns that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas may occur in association with thundershowers, posing risks to small and medium-sized fishing vessels.
Fishermen and naval communities are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions before venturing into the sea.
