Weather forecast issued at 05.30 a.m. on 22 May 2024 by the Department of Meteorology

The Southwest monsoon conditions are gradually establishing over the island; hence, the prevailing showery and windy conditions will continue further.

Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, Southern and Northern provinces and at several places elsewhere of the island  Very heavy showers about 150 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in North-western province and in Mannar, Galle and Matara districts.

Strong winds about (40-50) kmph at times are possible in the western slope of the central hills and in Southern province. Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times elsewhere of the island.

Winds will be south-westerly in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (40-50) kmph and may increase up to (60-70) kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Wind speed will be (25-35) kmph and can be increased up to 50 kmph at times in the other sea areas around the island.

The sea areas extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Hambantota will be very rough at times and Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into these sea areas, until further notice.

The sea areas extending from Mannar to Colombo will be rough at times, therefore, naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and naval activities in this sea area are requested to be vigilant in this regard.

The swell waves (about 2.5 m – 3.0 m) height (This is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.

Strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

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