The Department of Meteorology says an increase in rainfall can be expected in several parts of the island, including the southwestern region, from August 25, 2026.

Meteorologist Sachith Wickramanayake said showers are particularly likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Several spells of rain are also expected today (23) in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. A few showers may occur in the North Western Province as well.

Showers or thundershowers are likely in Ampara, Batticaloa and Monaragala districts during the evening or night, while mainly dry weather is expected to prevail elsewhere across the island, he said.

He further warned that the apparent temperature in the Northern, North Central and Eastern regions could rise to between 39°C and 45°C.

In areas such as Polonnaruwa, temperatures are already exceeding 32°C by 8:30 a.m. Therefore, spending time outdoors between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. could be risky, he added.

The public has been advised to limit outdoor activities during the afternoon, drink plenty of water and remain in cool places.

Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology said sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil, could become occasionally rough as wind speeds may increase up to 60 kilometers per hour.