Weather forecast issued at 05.30 a.m. on 17 October 2024 by the Department of Meteorology

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern province and fairly heavy showers above 50mm are likely at some places. Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-eliya districts while showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the evening or night.

Winds will be south-westerly and speed will be (30-40) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (60-65) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Mullaittivu to Mannar via Kankasanthurai and up to 50 kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Mullaittivu to Mannar via Kankasanthurai can be very rough at times. The other sea areas around the island can be rough at times.

The wave height (about 2.5–3.0 m) (this is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.Strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.