Heavy rainfall expected in parts of the island today

Rupavahini News and Sri Lanka Mirror report that the Meteorology Department says a disturbance near Sri Lanka has developed into a low-pressure area, raising the chance of rain over the island and nearby sea areas. Newswire says the system is northwest of the island and is forecast to move slowly westward.

Rupavahini News and Sri Lanka Mirror report that showers or thunderstorms may occur intermittently in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern, North-western and Southern provinces, and Anuradhapura District; elsewhere, rain may begin after 1 p.m. They report that some locations in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces could receive more than 100 mm. Newswire also forecasts totals above 100 mm in parts of Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Northern provinces, and in Galle and Matara districts.

Rupavahini News and Sri Lanka Mirror report that thunderstorms may bring short-lived local strong winds and lightning, and that morning mist is possible in parts of Central and Uva provinces. Both outlets say people, including fishing and naval communities, should watch for further weather updates and take precautions.

Newswire reports that an advisory issued at 11.30 a.m. on October 22 set red lightning alerts for 10 districts and amber alerts for 15 districts, valid until 1.30 a.m. on October 23. It says severe lightning was expected in places in Central, Eastern and Uva provinces, as well as Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts. Newswire also reports guidance to shelter inside during storms, avoid trees and exposed areas, and be alert to fallen trees and power lines.

Newswire reports that rain was forecast to continue into October 23 and might last until about October 27. It attributes favorable conditions for cloud development to the Intertropical Convergence Zone near Sri Lanka, where winds from the Northern and Southern hemispheres meet. Newswire says a further low-pressure system may form near the Andaman Islands around October 23 and intensify into a depression over the Bay of Bengal. Although it is not expected to affect Sri Lanka directly, winds heading toward it could prolong rainfall, particularly in the southwest. The department urged fishing and naval crews in the Bay of Bengal, especially multiday vessels, to follow later forecasts and warnings.

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.