South-West monsoon gradually establishing over Sri Lanka

Colombo, May 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Meteorology Department says the South-West monsoon is gradually establishing over the island, bringing increased rainfall and strong winds to several parts of the country.

According to the latest weather forecast, showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.

Fairly heavy rainfall of around 75 mm is expected at some locations in these areas.

A few showers are also likely in the Northern Province and the Anuradhapura district.

Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.

The Department further said that fairly strong winds of 35 to 45 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, as well as in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces and the Trincomalee district.

The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.