Arnab intensifies into very severe cyclonic storm; no direct impact expected on Sri Lanka

The Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab over the west-central Bay of Bengal intensified into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and lay centred at 02.30 a.m. today, the 27th October, 2026, near latitude 15.9°N and longitude 85.4°E, about 890 km to the north-east of Kankasanthurai.

It is very likely to continue moving west-northwestwards till 05.30 p.m. of 27th October and thereafter is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the Indian land through the Andhra Pradesh coast as a very severe cyclonic storm by 11.30 a.m. of 28th October, 2026.

The system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka. Showery conditions over the southwestern parts of the island are expected to continue today, as the wind flow associated with the system extends across the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas. Showers or thunder showers will occur at a few places after 1.00 p.m. in the Eastern province.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the Central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee and Hambantota Districts.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.