Red Alert Issued for Severe Lightning and Thunderstorms Across All Provinces

15-Oct-2026

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The Department of Meteorology has issued a red alert for all provinces of Sri Lanka, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and severe lightning.

A low-level atmospheric disturbance over the Bay of Bengal surrounding the island is expected to bring increased rainfall and cloudy conditions across the country.

Rain or thundershowers may occur at times in the Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern provinces. In other parts of the country, rain or thundershowers are likely after 1 p.m.

Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres may occur at some locations in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North Western provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura District.

Moderately heavy rainfall exceeding 75 millimetres is also expected in some other areas.

The public has been advised to take the necessary precautions against lightning strikes and strong winds, as thunderstorms may be accompanied by temporarily severe gusts.

The Department of Meteorology has also warned that mist may develop in some areas of the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early morning hours.