The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours, as of 09.30 am today (15), has been reported in the Penrith Estate in Avissawella in the Colombo District, recording 175.0 mm.

According to the Department of Meteorology, Veyangoda in the Gampaha District has recorded 162.0 mm of rain during this period. 

Other areas that recorded heavy rainfall include Kirindiwela in Gampaha District (157.0 mm), Pambegama Estate in Kegalle District (135.0mm), Talduwa in Kegalle District (131.0 mm), and Maliboda in Kegalle District (125.5 mm). 

The Met Department has forecast heavy rains for today as well, with thundershowers expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.

Very heavy showers of about 150mm are likely in some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces. Heavy showers above 100mm are likely in some places in the Galle and Matara districts. (Newswire)

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The prevailing windy conditions over the island are expected to persist due to the active South West Monsoon, the Department of Meteorology said.  

Strong winds are expected to reach 50-60 km/h over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces. 

Similar conditions are also expected in Trincomalee, Monaragala, and Hambantota districts. Elsewhere on the island, fairly strong winds of 30-40 km/h are anticipated.

Intermittent showers or thundershowers are likely in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and North-western provinces, as well as in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Meteorology Department said. 

Some areas in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and the Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts may experience fairly heavy showers, with rainfall up to 50 mm.

Showers or thundershowers are likely in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle. Wind speeds in these areas will be westerly to south-westerly, ranging from 35-45 km/h. 

The Meteorology Department cautioned that wind speeds are likely to increase to 60-65 km/h in the sea areas off the coasts from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. Similarly, wind speeds could rise to 50-55 km/h in the sea areas off the coasts from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu, and Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.

The sea areas off the coasts from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil, are expected to be very rough at times. 

Meanwhile the sea areas from Trincomalee to Kankasanthurai via Mullaitivu, and Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, will be rough. 

Swell waves, reaching heights of 2.0-2.5 meters, may increase in the sea areas off the coast from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota.

Residents along coastal areas, the fishing and naval community were advised to take necessary precautions. (Newswire)

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