Heavy Rains and Strong Winds Forecast as Easterly Wave Persists

Showery weather is set to persist over large parts of the country over the next few days due to the continued influence of an Easterly wave, the Department of Meteorology said.

Rain is expected at intervals in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces. Very heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres is likely in certain locations in the Eastern and Central provinces, as well as in the Badulla and Polonnaruwa districts.

In other regions, showers or thundershowers may develop at several places after 1.00 p.m., with fairly heavy rainfall of more than 75 millimetres possible in some areas.

Strong winds, reaching speeds of around 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, are also anticipated at times, particularly along the eastern slopes of the central hills, in the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and in parts of Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.Misty conditions are expected during the early morning hours in parts of the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts.

The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to reduce potential damage caused by sudden strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.