Highlights

Predictions: From 3 – 9 Mar, NOAA from US predicts a significant decrease in rainfall over SL. During this period, Eastern regions are predicted to receive light to moderate rainfall of 5-25 mm. From 4 – 10 Mar, wind speeds are predicted to be slightly lower compared to the previous week, ranging between 1-3 m/s.
 
Monitoring: From 25 Feb – 3 Mar , total weekly rainfall across SL was 2.1 mm. There was no rainfall recorded across most stations, except in Hambantota (1 mm), Anuradhapura (0.6 mm) and Ratmalana (0.5 mm) on 25 Feb. During 23 Feb – 1 Mar, winds were from Northeast with speeds ranging between 8 – 10 m/s. Land temperatures remained seasonable across SL. The Southern plains had an average maximum temperature of 32.2°C, while the Eastern Hills had an average minimum temperature of 26.7°C.
 

Rainfall Prediction: From 3 – 9 Mar 2026, light to moderate rainfall (5-25 mm) is predicted for the Eastern Plains; light showers (0-5 mm) are predicted for the Eastern Hills, Northern Plains, Western Hills and Plains, Southern Plains. In the second week, rainfall is predicted to increase throughout SL, specially in the Eastern and Southern Plains. (Source: NOAA CPC)

Monitored Rainfall: During 25 Feb – 3 Mar, total weekly rainfall across SL was 2.1 mm. There was no rainfall recorded across most stations, except in Hambantota (1 mm), Anuradhapura (0.6 mm) and Ratmalana (0.5 mm) on 25 Feb.

 
Monitored Land & Sea Temperature: Temperature was seasonable across SL. The Southern plains had the maximum temp of 32.2°C, while the Eastern Hills had the minimum temperature of 26.7°C. The sea surface temperature around Sri Lanka was below the seasonal average by 1°C – 0°C.
 
Monitored & Predicted Wind: From 23 Feb – 1 Mar 2026, winds at 1.5 km elevation were mostly from the Northeast at speeds ranging 8-10 m/s. From 4 – 10 Mar 2026, winds are predicted to range from 1-3 m/s from the Northeast. Wind is slowing down from previous week as expected.



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