COLOMBO, September 20 — The Department of Meteorology has issued an urgent heavy rainfall advisory for multiple provinces across Sri Lanka, warning residents to brace for severe weather as the active Southwest Monsoon continues to intensify.
The advisory, released early this morning, covers a broad swath of the country, specifically targeting the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces. Additionally, the districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara have been placed under high-alert status. According to weather officials, the ongoing monsoon conditions have created a volatile atmospheric environment, with a high probability of heavy showers or thundershowers persisting throughout the day.
Meteorologists have warned that several regions within the affected areas are likely to experience downpours exceeding 100 millimeters. Such intense precipitation levels carry a significant risk of localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, and may lead to traffic disruptions and hazardous travel conditions on mountain passes. Residents in the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces are being urged to exercise caution regarding the potential for landslides, as prolonged rainfall in these hilly terrains can saturate the soil and increase slope instability.
The severity of the current weather pattern was highlighted by data recorded during the 24-hour period ending at 6:00 a.m. today. The Kegalle District emerged as the wettest region in the country, officially logging 103.5 mm of rainfall. This figure underscores the strength of the monsoon, which is currently dumping significant moisture across the central and southwestern corridors of the island.
In light of these conditions, the Department of Meteorology has advised the public to take necessary precautions to minimize damage from lightning and strong winds, which often accompany these heavy downpours. Disaster management authorities are also monitoring the situation closely, particularly in areas prone to flash flooding, and are prepared to deploy emergency response teams if water levels in major waterways rise to critical thresholds.
The Southwest Monsoon, which is the primary driver of Sri Lanka’s seasonal rainfall, appears to be entering a particularly active phase. Weather experts suggest that the current conditions are expected to persist in the coming days as the monsoon current remains well-established over the region.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to exercise extreme caution on the roads, as visibility may be severely reduced during heavy rain, and road surfaces may become slippery. Furthermore, those living in areas historically vulnerable to earth slips—especially in the mountainous districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Kegalle—have been advised to remain vigilant and heed any evacuation notices issued by local district authorities.
Updates regarding the weather situation will be provided by the Meteorology Department as the monsoon system evolves over the next 48 hours.
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