Heavy rains lash several parts of the island as weather warnings remain in place

The Meteorology Department forecast showers or thunderstorms across many parts of Sri Lanka after 1 p.m. Rainfall exceeding 75 mm is possible in some locations in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces, as well as Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee and Mullaitivu districts, according to Rupavahini News. Coastal areas of Western Province and Galle District may also get rain in the morning.

In a separate advisory issued at 11.30 a.m. on the 19th, the department warned of severe lightning until 1 a.m. on the 20th. Newswire reports the alert covers Central, Sabaragamuwa, North Central, Eastern, Uva, and Southern provinces, along with Kurunegala, Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts. Temporary localized strong winds may accompany thunderstorms.

The department urged people to take precautions against lightning and strong winds. Newswire reports its guidance includes sheltering indoors, avoiding exposed areas and open water, and not using wired phones, connected electrical equipment or open vehicles during storms. It also advised caution around fallen trees and power lines and contacting local disaster-management authorities in an emergency.

Misty conditions are possible in the early hours in parts of Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces, according to the Daily Mirror and Rupavahini News.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.