Heavy rains of up to 150 mm forecast as low-pressure system develops near Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology warned of heavy rainfall in parts of the island. Daily Mirror reported that more than 100 mm could fall in some areas of Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Matara, Galle and Puttalam districts. Newswire said an amber rainfall advisory was in effect from 3 p.m. on October 15 to 3 p.m. on October 16, 2026, and urged residents to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding.

The department attributed the broader wet spell to a low-level atmospheric disturbance near Sri Lanka, in the Bay of Bengal region. Lankadeepa reported that increased rainfall was expected to continue over the next few days. Newswire said cloudy skies, showers and thunderstorms were expected across most parts of the country. Hiru News reported that rain or thundershowers were expected in many areas after 1 p.m. on October 15.

A separate severe-lightning warning was issued at 11 a.m. on October 15 and was due to remain valid until 1 a.m. the following day, according to Rupavahini and Newswire. The risk areas include the North Central, Eastern, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, along with Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Gampaha, Colombo and Kurunegala districts. Newswire reported red alerts for 18 districts and amber alerts for seven; temporary localized strong winds were also possible during thunderstorms. The department advised the public to take precautions against lightning and wind-related hazards.

Daily Mirror reported that heavy rain had flooded several roads in Colombo as adverse weather continued. The reports do not give details of road closures or damage.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.