South-west monsoon brings heavy rain and strong winds across Sri Lanka
May 21, 2026 05:34 am
The South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island, bringing showers and strong winds to several parts of the country, according to the Department of Meteorology.
Accordingly, showers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts today (21). Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is likely in some of these areas, the Met. Department noted.
Several spells of showers are also forecast for the Northern Province and the Anuradhapura District.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.
The Met. Department further stated that fairly strong winds of 30–40 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces.
The general public has been to take necessary precautions to reduce damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
