Cloudy skies over most parts of country today; expect rain in latter half

The Meteorological Department has forecast cloudy skies over the southern half of the island today. The Department says that showers or thunderstorms will occur at several places in the Sabaragamuwa, Western, North-western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Mannar districts during the evening or night.

Heavy rains over 75 mm can be expected at some places in the above areas.

Showers will occur in Eastern and Uva provinces, the Hambantota district and in coastal areas of Galle and Matara districts during the morning as well.

The public is urged to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.

Meanwhile showers or thunderstorms will occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Trincomalee via Hambantota and Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers will also occur at several places in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Galle via Colombo in the evening or night.

The will also be in other sea areas around the island. Although the general wind speed will be between 20 and 30 kmph; at times speeds can increase up to 40 kmph in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Kankasanturai via Mannar and Galle to Hambantota. Meanwhile, strong gusty winds (up to 70-80 kmph) and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.