The Department of Meteorology says showers will occur at times today (19) in the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces, as well as in the Polonnaruwa and Hambantota districts, with fairly heavy rainfall of up to 75 mm in some areas.

Several spells of showers are also expected in the North-Western Province and Anuradhapura District, while showers or thundershowers may develop after 1.00 p.m. in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.

Fairly strong winds of up to 40 kmph are likely at times over the Eastern slopes of the central hills, and in the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, along with Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts. Misty conditions are expected in parts of the Sabaragamuwa, Western and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara during the early morning hours.

The public is advised to take necessary precautions to minimize damage from localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.