Southwest monsoon gradually establishing over Sri Lanka: Met Dept.

Colombo, May 19 (Daily Mirror) - The Meteorology Department says the southwest monsoon is gradually getting established over the island.

In its general weather forecast for the next 36 hours, issued at 4.00 p.m. today (19), the Department said showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, as well as in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is likely at some locations in these areas.

Several spells of showers are also expected in the Northern Province and in the Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts.

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

Fairly strong winds of around 30–40 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North Central, North Western and Southern provinces.

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