COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology on Wednesday (6) warned of increased rainfall and thunderstorms across much of the island over the next several days due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the formation of a low-level atmospheric disturbance near the country.
The department said unsettled weather conditions are expected to prevail from Wednesday onward, bringing widespread showers, thundershowers and the risk of heavy downpours in several provinces.
“Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 p.m.,” the Meteorology Department said in its latest advisory.
Rainfall is also expected during the morning hours in parts of the Southern and Eastern Provinces, indicating prolonged wet weather conditions through the day in some areas.
The department warned that heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres is likely at isolated locations in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and North Central Provinces, raising the possibility of localized flooding, waterlogging and minor landslides in vulnerable areas.
Meteorologists attributed the worsening weather to the active Intertropical Convergence Zone, a belt of low pressure where northern and southern hemisphere winds converge, often triggering widespread cloud formation and intense convection, combined with a developing low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka.
Such systems typically enhance thunderstorm activity and can produce sudden intense rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and lightning.
Misty conditions are also expected during the early morning hours in parts of the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, which may reduce visibility for motorists travelling through hilly and elevated terrain.
The department urged the public to take precautionary measures against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers, warning of possible disruptions to transport, outdoor activities and power supply.
Residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant as the wet spell is expected to continue over the next few days.
-ENCL
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