WEATHER FORECAST FOR 12 JANUARY 2026
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 12 January 2026 by the Department of Meteorology

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts during the early hours of the morning.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and Hambantota district. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere after 1.00 pm. Fairly heavy showers about 75 mm are likely at some places in the Northwestern, Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces.

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

GENERAL WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 36 HOURS
Issued at 04.00 p.m. on 11 January 2026 by the Department of Meteorology 

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and Hambantota district. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere after 1.00 pm. Fairly heavy showers  above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Eastern, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces.

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

Warning for depression to the East of Sri Lanka 
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, Department of Meteorology 
at 11.30 p.m. on 10 January 2026 for the period until 11.30 p.m. on 11 January 2026

The depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the northeast coast of Sri Lanka moved across the northeast coast near Mullaitivu between 3.30 and 4.30 pm today and was centred about 70 km southeast of Jaffna by 5.30 pm. It is likely to move towards the west and gradually weaken into a low-pressure area.

Cloudy skies can be expected over the Northern half of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Northern province.

DAMAGE EXPECTED: [For the Land area]
• Damage to huts, temporary shelters and light structures
• Destroy the roof tops/ sheets etc.
• Damage to power and communication lines.
• Breaking of tree branches and uprooting of large avenue trees.
• Damage to paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards.
• Damage to harbor yachts
• Flash flood
• Sea water inundation in low lying areas in the near coast.

Action suggested for the Land area:
• Coastal dwellers are advised to move to safer places. Other people in the affected areas to remain indoors.
• People living in hilly areas (particularly landslide prone areas) and low-lying areas in river basins are requested to be vigilant.
• Drivers and people using roads in the hilly areas are requested to be vigilant.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• General public is requested to be vigilant regarding impending extreme weather situation.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
• Requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.