COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 06 September 2026 – The Department of Meteorology, through the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), has issued a comprehensive weather forecast for multi-day boats, valid for the next 24 hours starting from 7:00 AM on Saturday, September 6, 2026. The forecast highlights significant marine conditions across the sea areas around Sri Lanka, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the South Indian Ocean, urging mariners to exercise caution.
The announcement emphasizes the potential for rough seas and strong gusty winds, particularly during thundershowers, which could pose risks to those navigating these waters. Fishermen and naval vessels operating multi-day excursions are strongly advised to take note of the detailed report to ensure safety.
Sea Areas Around Sri Lanka
Coastal areas surrounding Sri Lanka are expected to experience varied weather patterns. Showers are anticipated at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara, via Colombo and Galle. More notably, the sea areas off Mullaittivu to Pottuvil, via Trincomalee and Batticaloa, could see showers or thundershowers during the evening or night hours.
Wind Conditions: Winds will primarily be south-westerly, with speeds ranging between 30-40 kmph. However, wind speeds can intensify, gusting up to 55 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast stretching from Hambantota to Pottuvil and from Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar.
Sea State: Mariners should prepare for fairly rough seas at times in the aforementioned high-wind areas (Hambantota to Pottuvil, and Kankasanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar). The DMC warns that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas are highly probable during thundershowers.
Bay of Bengal Forecast
For the Bay of Bengal, specific areas are identified for varying conditions:
- EQ-03N, 80E-100E & 10N-20N, 84E-100E: Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places.
- 08N-20N, 80E-84E: Showers or thundershowers at a few places.
- Other Sea Areas: Showers at a few places.
Wind Conditions: South-westerly winds (30-40 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph) are forecast for 05N-20N, 80E-95E. Westerly winds (20-30 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph) are expected in 05N-20N, 95E-100E. Other areas will experience south-easterly or variable winds at 15-25 kmph.
Sea State: Conditions will be fairly rough, and at times rough, in the 05N-20N, 80E-95E zone. Moderate seas, becoming fairly rough at times, are anticipated in 05N-20N, 95E-100E. Other parts of the Bay of Bengal will generally be slight.
Arabian Sea Outlook
Mariners in the Arabian Sea should be aware of:
- EQ-05N, 60E-70E: Showers or thundershowers at several places.
- EQ-15N, 70E-77E & 15N-20N, 67E-74E: Showers or thundershowers at a few places.
- Other Sea Areas: Showers at a few places.
Wind Conditions: South-westerly winds (30-40 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph) are predicted for 17N-20N, 60E-70E. Winds will be north-westerly to south-westerly (20-30 kmph, gusting 45-50 kmph) in 06N-20N, 70E-80E. Clockwise winds (20-30 kmph) are expected in EQ-17N, 60E-70E, while other areas will see south-easterly or variable winds (15-20 kmph).
Sea State: The sea will be fairly rough, occasionally rough, in 17N-20N, 60E-70E. Moderate, becoming fairly rough at times, is expected in 06N-20N, 70E-80E. Conditions will be slight to moderate in EQ-17N, 60E-70E, with other regions remaining slight.
South Indian Ocean Conditions
For the South Indian Ocean, the forecast indicates:
- EQ-07S, 60E-72E & EQ-05S, 80E-92E: Showers or thundershowers at most places.
- 05S-08S, 72E-78E: Showers or thundershowers at several places.
- Other Sea Areas: Showers or thundershowers at a few places.
Wind Conditions: South-easterly winds (30-40 kmph, gusting up to 50-60 kmph) are expected in EQ-10S, 80E-100E. South-easterly winds (20-30 kmph, gusting up to 45 kmph) are forecast for 05S-10S, 60E-80E. Other sea areas will experience south-easterly or variable winds at 10-20 kmph.
Sea State: Fairly rough, and at times rough, seas are predicted for EQ-10S, 80E-100E. Moderate seas, becoming fairly rough at times, are expected in 05S-10S, 60E-80E. Other areas will generally experience slight sea conditions.
The DMC reiterates its general warning that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas are a significant risk during thundershowers in all affected sea areas. Mariners are urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts, exercise extreme caution, and take necessary precautions before venturing into these waters.
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