The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers or thundershowers across most of the island after 1:00 PM today, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year day, with fairly heavy rainfall expected in several areas.
The advisory is particularly significant as most families gather for traditional outdoor New Year customs and auspicious rituals throughout the afternoon. Bicycle races, outdoor sports events and community celebrations planned for the festive day could be affected by the wet weather.
The Meteorology Department has been issuing weather advisories throughout the festive period, with lightning alerts issued for multiple districts in recent days. Six people were killed on Avurudu day in road accidents, with wet road conditions potentially contributing to the toll.
The department advised the public to take precautions against lightning during thunderstorms and to avoid open areas during heavy rainfall. Festivities are expected to continue into the evening as the auspicious times for key New Year rituals extend through the day.
