Predictions: From 10 – 16 Mar, the US NOAA Climate Prediction Center predicts a decrease in rainfall over SL. During this period, Eastern Hills and Plains are predicted to receive light showers ranging from 0-5 mm. From 12 – 18 Mar, wind speeds are predicted to be 1-3 m/s lower compared to the previous week. Western hills and slopes are predicted to have temperatures of 34 – 35 °C which is above normal for March.

 

Monitoring: From 4 – 10 Mar there was no rainfall recorded across most stations and days, resulting in a daily average rainfall of only 0.2 mm. The highest rainfall of 10 mm was in Trincomalee on 9 Mar, and the second highest rainfall of 8 mm was in Colombo on the same day. During 2– 8 Mar, winds were from Northeast with 2 – 4 m/s. Overall the temperature was typical for this season across SL. The Southern plains had an average maximum temperature of 32.8°C. The Eastern Hills had an average minimum temperature of 27.2°C. SL Department of Meteorology issued heat advisories for Western, North-Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces on 10, 11 and 12 Mar.

 

 

Monitored Land & Sea Temperature: During 4 – 10 Mar, there was no rainfall recorded across most stations, resulting in a daily average rainfall of only 0.2 mm. The highest rainfall of 10 mm was in Trincomalee on 9 Mar, and the second highest rainfall of 8 mm was in Colombo on the same day.

 

Monitored & Predicted Wind: From 2 – 8 Mar 2026, winds at 1.5 km elevation were mostly from the Northeast at speeds ranging 2 – 4 m/s. From 12 – 18 Mar 2026, winds are predicted to range from 1-3 m/s from the Southeast. Wind is slowing down from previous week as expected.