Highlights

Predictions: From 24 – 30 Mar, the US NOAA Climate Prediction Center predicts that the low rainfall (< 5 mm) shall continue throughout SL except for the Western Hills. During this period, Western Hills are predicted to receive rainfall ranging from 5-25 mm. From 25 – 31 Mar, wind speeds are predicted to be 1-3 m/s. The Met Ddepartment has issued a heat advisory on 25 Mar, indicating that the temperature levels are likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ (34 – 35 °C) in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, North-Central, Northern and Uva provinces.
 
Monitoring: During 18 – 24 Mar, the average daily rainfall was 1.5 mm. The highest daily rainfall was in Katugastota on 18 Mar – 27 mm. During 16 – 22 Mar, winds were from Northeast with 1–4 m/s. Overall the temperature was typical for March across SL. The Southern plains had an average maximum temperature of 34.0°C. The Western Hills had an average minimum temperature of 17.9°C.
 

Rainfall Prediction: From 24 – 30 Mar, low rainfall (< 5 mm) shall continue throughout SL except for the Western Hills: 5-25 mm is predicted for the Western Hills; 0-5 mm are predicted for the rest of the island. From 31 Mar – 6 Apr, low rainfall is predicted to continue throughout SL, except in the Western Hills and Eastern Plains where 25 – 35 mm rainfall is predicted. (Source: NOAA CPC)

Monitored Rainfall: During this week, there was lower rainfall compared to the previous week across SL. During 18 – 24 Mar, the average daily rainfall was 1.5 mm. The highest daily rainfall was in Katugastota on 18 Mar – 27 mm, Badulla on 19 Mar – 19 mm, Mattala on 20 Mar – 13 mm.

 
Monitored Land & Sea Temperature:   The Southern plains had the maximum temp of 34.0°C, while the Western Hills had the minimum temperature of 17.9°C. The sea surface temperature around Western and Eastern coasts was above the seasonal average by 0.5°C – 1°C, while it was lower around the other coasts.
 

Monitored & Predicted Wind:  From 16 – 22 Mar 2026, winds at 1.5 km elevation were mostly from the East at 1 – 4 m/s. From 25 – 31 Mar 2026, winds are predicted to slow ( 1-2 m/s from the Southeast). The wind reversal for March has set in at 0.7 km elevation. 



Terminology for Rainfall Ranges

TerminologyRainfall (mm/week)
Light ShowersLess than 12.5 mm
Light to ModerateBetween 12.5 mm and 25 mm
ModerateBetween 25 mm and 50 mm
Fairly HeavyBetween 50 mm and 100 mm
HeavyBetween 100 mm and 150 mm
Very HeavyMore than 150 mm