• Strong winds and rough seas forecast
• Fishing and naval communities urged to stay away from hazardous sea areas

The rainy weather currently affecting the southwestern parts of the country is expected to continue at similar levels over the next few days, according to the Department of Meteorology.Meteorologist Srimaal Herath said the rainfall was expected to gradually decrease after 15 August.

He also said the El Niño conditions currently affecting Sri Lanka could continue until the northeast monsoon next year (2027). He said this could have a greater impact on areas that are currently experiencing dry weather. “Because of the prevailing dry conditions, wind speeds could decrease in the coming period. As a result, with the increase in humidity, there is a greater possibility that the temperature felt by the body could rise again.” Meanwhile, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued a warning for strong winds and rough seas, valid until 7 a.m. today (10).

According to the warning issued at 7 a.m. yesterday (9), sea areas extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota were expected to become very rough at times, with strong gusty winds exceeding 60 kmph.Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into these sea areas until further notice.

Sea areas extending from Batticaloa to Chilaw via Trincomalee, Kankesanthurai and Mannar, as well as the sea area from Galle to Matara, were expected to be rough at times, with strong gusty winds of up to 50 kmph. Naval and fishing communities engaged in fishing and naval activities in these areas were urged to remain vigilant.The warning also said temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas could occur during thunderstorms. The Department of Meteorology has advised naval and fishing communities to remain alert to future weather forecasts. Meanwhile, a landslide early warning was issued for parts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya districts for the 24-hour period from 9 a.m. yesterday to 9 a.m. today.

The Level One, or Yellow, warning covered the following areas:In Kandy District, Medadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Pasbage Korale, Udapalatha, Ududumbara, Delthota and Ganga Ihala Korale Divisional Secretariat (DS) Divisions and surrounding areas.

In Kegalle District, Aranayaka, Deraniyagala, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita and Yatiyanthota DS Divisions and surrounding areas.In Nuwara Eliya District, Nuwara Eliya, Norwood, Talawakelle, Ambagamuwa, Kotmale East and Kotmale West DS Divisions and surrounding areas.People living in or near steep slopes, valleys, man-made cut slopes and roads located in hazardous areas were urged to exercise special caution.