Heavy rain with thunder in many areas after this afternoon - Met Department warning

The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers or thundershowers at times in the Northern and Eastern provinces and in the Hambantota district.

Rain or thundershowers are possible after 1.00pm today (09.11.2026) in other parts of the country, the department said in a statement issued early this morning.

It warned of heavy rain exceeding 100 millimetres at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Western, Northern and North Central provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.

Basic precautions such as avoiding open areas during thunderstorms, not sheltering under trees during lightning and using electrical equipment safely save lives, the department continues to remind the public.

The department urged people to take necessary precautions to reduce dangers from temporary strong winds and lightning strikes that can occur during thunderstorms.

Mist is also expected in the early morning at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in the Galle, Matara and Kurunegala districts, the department said.

The department will release further information on the current rain situation from time to time; the public would do well to follow official warnings and make preparations.