The Department of Meteorology has forecast heavy rain exceeding 100 mm at some locations in five provinces over the next 36 hours.
In the general forecast issued at 4PM on 11 November, the department said showers or thundershowers would occur in most parts of the island after 1PM. Heavy falls exceeding 100 mm are likely at some locations in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces.
Intermittent showers or thundershowers are expected in the Northern Province and the Trincomalee District. Misty conditions may prevail in the early morning in some places across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts.
The public has been urged to take the necessary precautions against temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
The department’s Marine Forecasting Division at the National Meteorological Centre also issued a strong winds and rough seas bulletin for the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, effective from 3PM on 11 November.
According to the three-day forecast, wind speeds on the first day are expected to reach 40 to 50 kmph, occasionally gusting up to 60 kmph, which will make the designated sea areas rough at times. On the second day, winds are expected to rise to 50 to 60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph, making the seas very rough. Naval and fishing communities have been asked to remain vigilant, and similar conditions are expected on the third day.
Police said heavy showers had already flooded several roads in Colombo, including roads in Maligawatta, on Sangharaja Mawatha and in Khettarama. Traffic disruptions were also reported around Armour Street, Nawam Mawatha and Borella, and police urged motorists to exercise caution.
Background
The Department of Meteorology issues a general forecast for the whole island that covers the next 36 hours, and separate marine bulletins for the sea areas around the island and for the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The marine bulletins are intended mainly for the navy, fishing crews and other seafarers.
Heavy rain is common in Sri Lanka in November, when the second inter-monsoon period gives way to the north-east monsoon. Low-lying parts of Colombo are prone to flooding when heavy showers fall within a short time.
What it means
People in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Uva provinces may face delays on the roads and waterlogged areas while the heavy showers continue. Motorists in Colombo have been asked by police to take care on the affected roads.
Fishing communities and others who work at sea have been asked to stay vigilant as the winds strengthen over the next two days. Updated forecasts and warnings are published by the Department of Meteorology at meteo.gov.lk.
