Colombo, Sri Lanka – 06 September 2026 – The Department of Meteorology (DMC) has released its general weather forecast for Sri Lanka, issued in Tamil language, providing crucial updates for land and sea areas for today, September 6, 2026. The forecast, published at 5:30 AM, highlights the potential for significant rainfall, thunderstorms, and specific marine conditions across the island.
Land Weather Outlook: Thunderstorms and Fairly Heavy Rains
According to the latest meteorological bulletin, several parts of Sri Lanka are expected to experience rain or thunderstorms, primarily occurring after 2:00 PM. The forecast indicates a high probability of such weather conditions in the:
- Uva Province
- Central Province
- Eastern Province
- Polonnaruwa District
- Mullaitivu District
Residents in these areas, particularly within the Uva and Eastern Provinces, should prepare for potentially intense rainfall. The DMC forecasts “fairly heavy rain” exceeding 75mm in some localities within these provinces. In contrast, the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, along with the Galle and Matara districts, are expected to receive only light rainfall.
The public is strongly advised to take necessary precautionary measures to mitigate potential hazards associated with thunderstorms. This includes safeguarding against temporary strong winds and lightning strikes that are common during such weather events.
Sun Directly Overhead in Specific Regions
The Department of Meteorology also noted the sun’s apparent southward movement, a phenomenon observed annually between August 28 and September 7. Consequently, at approximately 12:08 PM today, September 6, the sun will be directly overhead the following areas:
- Sapandotota
- Thiniyavala
- Itthakanda
- Udawalawe
- Katharagama
Marine Weather Forecast for the Next 24 Hours
For sea areas around the island, the forecast outlines varying conditions over the next 24 hours:
Rainfall Status in Sea Areas
- Rain is anticipated in some sea areas extending from Chilaw, through Colombo and Galle, up to Matara.
- In the sea areas off the coast from Mullaitivu, via Trincomalee and Batticaloa, to Pottuvil, there is a possibility of rain or thunderstorms during the evening or night.
Wind Conditions
Winds in the sea areas surrounding Sri Lanka are expected to be south-westerly, blowing at speeds of 30-40 kmph. However, caution is advised for specific marine zones where wind speeds could significantly increase:
- Sea areas off the coast from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
- Sea areas off the coast from Kankesanthurai, via Mannar, to Puttalam.
In these identified areas, wind speeds may occasionally increase up to 55 kmph, posing challenges for marine activities.
Sea State
The sea areas from Hambantota to Pottuvil, and from Kankesanthurai via Mannar to Puttalam, are expected to be occasionally “moderately choppy.” Furthermore, during periods of thunderstorms, strong winds are anticipated, leading to “very choppy” and rough sea conditions. Mariners and fishing communities operating in these regions are urged to exercise extreme caution.
For reference, the Department of Meteorology categorizes rainfall amounts as follows: Light rain (00-12.5mm), Light to moderate rain (12.5-25mm), Moderate rain (25-50mm), Fairly Heavy rain (50-100mm), Heavy rain (100-150mm), and Very heavy rain (150mm or more).
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