The Department of Meteorology has warned of a week of sustained heavy rainfall across south-western Sri Lanka, with several districts likely to experience intense showers and a risk of localised flooding.
Residents in coastal and inland areas of the south-west should prepare for a significant surge in rainfall in the coming days, with some locations expected to receive between 80mm and 100mm.
The wet spell is expected to continue through May 24 and May 25, with daily rainfall ranging between 30mm and 50mm in many areas, occasionally reaching higher levels. Those conditions are likely to persist through May 26.
Meteorologists have predicted a further intensification on May 27, when widespread heavy showers exceeding 80mm are expected across much of the region. The peak of the wet weather is forecast for May 28, when the widest spread of heavy rainfall is likely, increasing the risk of waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas.
By May 29, while heavy rain is expected to continue, the most intense downpours may begin to shift, with 50mm to 80mm of rainfall still likely across affected districts.
The Department said Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura are likely to be among the worst affected. Meanwhile, the northern and eastern provinces are expected to remain comparatively dry during the period, although temperatures above 34°C are likely to persist.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant during heavy downpours and to take precautions against reduced visibility and slippery road conditions.
The forward forecast extends the south-west monsoon impact already documented this week. The DMC’s May 23 update recorded 27,419 individuals affected across six districts, while the first monsoon fatality and NBRO red-level landslide alerts for Kegalle and Ratnapura were issued the same day. The Met Department had earlier flagged 50mm heavy rain under the south-west monsoon on May 21.
