Heavy rain, severe lightning warning issued for several areas

Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has forecast heavier rainfall as a low-level atmospheric disturbance over the Bay of Bengal near the island contributes to unsettled conditions. Lankadeepa reported that increased rain is expected to continue over the next few days; other reports said cloudy skies, showers and thunderstorms were expected across much of the country.

The department warned that rainfall could exceed 100 millimetres in parts of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, and in Matara, Galle and Puttalam districts. Newswire said an amber advisory for heavy rain was in effect from 3 p.m. on October 15 to 3 p.m. on October 16, 2026, and that people in affected areas were urged to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding.

A separate severe-lightning advisory covered the North Central, Eastern, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces, as well as Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Gampaha, Colombo and Kurunegala districts. Rupavahini News reported that the notice, issued at 11 a.m. on October 15, remained valid until 1 a.m. the next day. Thunderstorms and intense lightning were considered more likely in places during the evening or night, with temporary strong winds possible during storms. The department urged residents to take precautions against lightning-related harm.

Daily Mirror reported that heavy rain had flooded several roads in Colombo. It also said adverse weather was expected to persist in several parts of the country.