Rainy weather conditions will remain unchanged over the next few days.

The low-pressure area that has developed in the Bay of Bengal, northeast of Sri Lanka, remains active. Therefore, the rainy weather conditions prevailing across the island are expected to continue unchanged for the next few days. Holding a press conference this morning (13), Mr. Athula Karunanayake, Director General of the Department of Meteorology, stated that due to the influence of this system, there could be a further increase in rainfall in the coming days.

The department further indicates that the Southwest Monsoon weather conditions affecting the island are expected to commence around May 24, 25, and 26.

Considering the current situation, the Department of Meteorology has issued a red notice for the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North Western provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts, where very heavy rainfall exceeding 150 mm may occur in some places. Additionally, heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is expected in some areas of Uva Province, as well as Ampara and Batticaloa districts, while thundershowers are predicted to develop in other parts of the island after 1:00 PM. Authorities emphasize that the public should take immediate steps to minimize temporary strong winds and lightning hazards that may accompany thundershowers.

Due to the continuous rainfall, landslide early warnings have been updated for several districts. According to reports issued by the National Building Research Organisation, an Amber (Level 2) early landslide warning has been issued for the Passara area in the Badulla district, and the public should remain highly vigilant regarding this.

Furthermore, yellow (Level 1) vigilance notices have been issued for several Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala, and Ratnapura districts. The areas identified as vulnerable include Bandarawela, Walallawita, Pathahewaheta, Pasbage Korale, Akurana, Gangawata Korale, Panwila, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Doluwa, Udapalatha, Mawanella, Bulathkohupitiya, Yatiyanthota, Aranayake, Kegalle, Rambukkana, Rideegama, Naula, Amban Ganga Korale, Rattota, Badalkumbura, Wellawaya, Godakawela, Ratnapura, and Kalawana. Residents in these areas are requested to be vigilant for signs of landslides or earth slips with the ongoing rainfall.