
Thalpe Beach
Natural pools in the reef, how they came to be, and the calm beach relaxation on the Thalpe coast.
Open sourceThe island's terrain, climate, regions and seasons — how Sri Lanka is laid out.

Natural pools in the reef, how they came to be, and the calm beach relaxation on the Thalpe coast.
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A high-altitude dairy farm near Nuwara Eliya, its climate, meadows, and what a visit is like.
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A waterfall near Nuwara Eliya, the local legend behind it, and what climbing to the top is like.
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The difference between the seasons in the south, the east and the central part of the island.
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The Nuwara Eliya — Maskeliya route through tea plantations and mountain switchbacks.
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One of the most famous and accessible waterfalls for swimming.
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Year-round and seasonal fruit, and how the season affects prices.
Open sourceThe meteorology department issued a red alert for the Western, North-Western provinces and Galle due to expected rainfall exceeding 200 mm on 22–23 May.
Open sourceThe meteorology department issued a red alert for rainfall exceeding 150 mm in western and southern provinces, urging residents to take precautions.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department warns of very heavy rainfall (over 200 mm) in the Western Province, Sabaragamuwa, Galle, and Matara, and around 100 mm in the Northern Province due to a low-pressure system.
Open sourceSri Lanka's Meteorology Department warns residents of strong winds, lightning, heavy rains, and landslide risks over the next 168 hours.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department warned of a likely low-pressure area forming near the island by May 11, with strengthening winds and stormy conditions both onshore and at sea.
Open sourceThe traditional post-New Year storms hit the island: one woman was killed by lightning and another was hospitalized with burns; the author advises staying away from windows and gadgets during storms.
Open sourceThanks to exceptionally clean air, Adam's Peak can now be seen from Colombo without optical instruments.
Open sourceA waterspout was recorded in the coastal area of Habaraduwa.
Open sourceA 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia triggered a tsunami warning for several countries, but Sri Lankan authorities confirmed no threat to the island.
Open sourceA brief weather segment announcement with no further details.
Open sourceThe Meteorological Department warns of extreme heat until end of May across most Sri Lanka provinces and urges care for the elderly and sick.
Open sourceOn 3 March 2026 a total lunar eclipse will occur, but Sri Lanka residents will only see the final partial phase after moonrise around 18:20.
Open sourceA brief weather update for the island with an attached forecast.
Open sourceThe mountain city of Nuwara Eliya recorded a temperature of +3.5°C.
Open sourceAccording to news reports, the air quality in Sri Lanka is currently not very clean.
Open sourceSri Lanka's Central Environmental Authority clarified that the haze observed in parts of the country is caused by pollutant particles in the atmosphere, not fog.
Open sourceMorning frost in Nuwara Eliya at +8°C, discussed alongside snowfall reports from Kamchatka — a note with a photo from the island's centre.
Open sourceA frost warning for Nuwara Eliya, where night temperatures drop to +8 degrees Celsius.
Open sourceThe Russian Embassy warns citizens of a deep depression approaching the island's northeast coast, with rains exceeding 100mm, flooding, and landslides expected.
Open sourceThe meteorological department reports the system has intensified to a deep depression, expected to make landfall between Hambantota and Kalmunai on January 9, 2026.
Open sourceThe meteorological department warns that a Bay of Bengal depression is moving toward Sri Lanka's eastern coast, with intensified rainfall expected in the north and east.
Open sourceA seaplane that arrived to pick up tourists in Nuwara Eliya made a hard landing; both pilots were hospitalised while none of the tourists were injured.
Open sourceA video recording of rain in Galle, filmed on December 20 at 7:30 PM.
Open sourceA new storm from the Bay of Bengal will bring up to 75 mm of rainfall to the northern and eastern parts of the island; reservoirs are already at capacity after cyclone Ditwa.
Open sourceThe death toll from the natural disaster in Sri Lanka has risen to 334, with 370 people still missing.
Open sourceAs of November 29, the death toll from cyclone Ditwa reached 132; evacuation ordered near the Kelani River, with more than 122 roads damaged.
Open sourceWater levels in six rivers — Mahaweli, Deduru Oya, Maha Oya, Kala Oya, Menik Ganga, and Malwathu Oya — reached critical levels; lowland residents were urged to evacuate.
Open sourceThree people died after a car fell into the Boralewela canal; the total death toll from the natural disaster has reached 33.
Open sourceA 6.6-magnitude earthquake in northern Sumatra posed no tsunami threat to Sri Lanka — the Meteorological Department issued an official denial of such reports.
Open sourceThe Director General of the Meteorological Department stated that the current rainfall levels may be the highest ever recorded in Sri Lanka's modern history.
Open sourceThe Meteorological Department warned of extreme rainfall exceeding 200 mm and winds of 60-70 km/h, with the worst impact expected in the North-Central and North-Western provinces.
Open sourceThe Meteorological Department issued warnings of strong coastal winds across the entire island and rainfall up to 150 mm in several regions.
Open sourceWithin the next week, two cyclones may form in the Bay of Bengal with a possible Fujiwhara effect, posing a serious threat to South and Southeast Asia.
Open sourceHeavy rains triggered a rockfall and landslide on the Ganetenna–Pahala Kadugannawa stretch, trapping 10 people; one person has died and rescue operations are ongoing.
Open sourceThe smog that blanketed the island throughout the previous week has cleared; monitoring stations in the South are showing normal air quality readings.
Open sourceStations in Colombo report pollution dropping below red levels, though the Galle monitoring station has broken down.
Open sourceHeavy particles from India have caused a sharp deterioration in air quality across the island — Colombo and Kandy reached red pollution levels, while the south reached orange.
Open sourceArthur C. Clarke Institute: tonight's supermoon is 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual, with higher-than-normal tides expected; Poya Day is the day after tomorrow.
Open sourceA weather warning of over 150 mm of rain and strong winds is in effect, with experts expecting conditions to persist.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department warns of low pressure over almost all of Sri Lanka and approaching heavy rainfall.
Open sourceAccording to the Arthur C. Clarke Institute, the Moon appears 7% larger than usual, with Saturn clearly visible nearby.
Open sourceThe Department of Meteorology warns of heavy rains in the Western Province and districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya; winds up to 40 km/h on western slopes.
Open sourceOn September 26, 2025, a record low temperature of 14°C was recorded in Nuwara Eliya; temperature readings from other island cities are also provided.
Open sourceHeavy rains flooded streets, car parks, and tunnels in Bali, trapped vehicles, caused building collapses, and disrupted communication lines.
Open sourceKandy has experienced flooding following heavy rainfall.
Open sourceA brief post with a sunny weather photo for those still unsure whether to visit Sri Lanka.
Open sourceA total lunar eclipse turning the Moon red is visible from across Sri Lanka, starting at 20:58; it is safe to observe with the naked eye.
Open sourceA brief post with no further details about the current situation on the east coast of Sri Lanka.
Open sourceThe Department of Meteorology issued a warning for rainfall exceeding 100 mm in Galle, Kandy, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and other regions due to active southern monsoon conditions.
Open sourceAdam's Peak (Sri Pada) has entered the off-season — no queues or golden sunrises, only rain, leeches, and 5,000 wet steps.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department warns of strong winds up to 50–60 km/h across almost the entire island over the next two days.
Open sourceStrong winds and heavy rains caused wall collapses, fallen trees, and damage to vehicles and homes in Colombo and other parts of the island.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department forecasts precipitation up to 100 mm in the Galle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy districts.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department warns of intensifying rains from May 15 due to the southwest monsoon, especially May 18–20, with risks of floods and landslides.
Open sourceRainy season start dates were announced, but with an important caveat: they refer to Thailand, not Sri Lanka.
Open sourceA post sharing Ivan Bunin's 1915 poem 'Ceylon', dedicated to Mount Alagalla and the island's tropical nature.
Open sourceThe Eta Aquarid meteor shower is visible in Sri Lanka the night of May 5–6, with peak activity between 4:00 and 5:00 am, caused by Halley's Comet debris.
Open sourceIn the evening lightning struck a group of teenagers swimming in Lake Abhaya, two of whom suffered serious injuries.
Open sourceA brief reference to a weather update post in the DenisRossDaily channel.
Open sourceReminder that today, including in Colombo, shadows will disappear at 12:12 as the Sun passes directly overhead Sri Lanka.
Open sourceAstronomer Anura Perera says that on April 7 at 12:12 the Sun will be directly overhead Sri Lanka and shadows will momentarily vanish.
Open sourceA strong earthquake struck Myanmar; tremors were felt in Thailand and a building collapsed in Bangkok — no tsunami threat reported.
Open sourceA brief note about poor air quality across the island over the past few days.
Open sourceA brief note that the tourist season has begun on the southern coast of the island.
Open sourceHeavy rain near Katunayake forced six international flights to be diverted to Mattala and Thiruvananthapuram airports.
Open sourceA short post with a photo of storm clouds gathering over the island.
Open sourceHeavy rains caused landslides across the island, turning roads into rivers; eyewitnesses describe a dangerous night ride on flooded mountain roads.
Open sourceA brief report on the current situation on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
Open sourceDue to deteriorating weather and river flooding, Sri Lanka's army units have been deployed to rescue flood victims.
Open sourceThe south of Sri Lanka is experiencing rainy and windy weather with heavy waves.
Open sourceA politician describes the island's climatic diversity: cool Nuwara Eliya, arid Mannar and Hambantota, Ella mountains, and southern beaches.
Open sourceA global temperature record was broken on Monday; Jaffna in Sri Lanka recorded 38°C despite official figures showing no higher than 30.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department warns of possible weather deterioration in the south of the island over the next few days.
Open sourcePhotos and videos of flooding on Sri Lanka's railway tracks during a storm.
Open sourceMultiple flooding incidents recorded across the island; all schools declared a day off, while Colombo and Trinco remain calmer.
Open sourceA heavy rainfall warning has been issued, primarily for the south of Sri Lanka.
Open sourceDue to difficult weather conditions, drivers are advised to monitor electronic signs on the highway.
Open sourceThe editorial team called the meteorological service and learned from meteorologist Anton Sakhno that strong winds will persist for a few more days.
Open sourceThe Southwest Monsoon has arrived: wind speeds reach 50–60 km/h in the red zone and 30–40 km/h in the orange zone; there is no green zone.
Open sourceA brief weather update about strong winds across the island.
Open sourceUpdated forecast from the met service: instead of the usual 100 mm of rain and 30–40 km/h winds, tomorrow expects 150 mm and gusts up to 70 km/h.
Open sourceThe Ella–Wellawaya road has been closed again due to weather conditions, until 6:00 AM on 21 May.
Open sourceThe author returns from the island's north, finds heavy rain in the South and reflects on the monsoon as a global climatic phenomenon that shapes life across Monsoon Asia.
Open sourceDue to continuing rains, a level-2 landslide warning was issued for Ella and a level-1 warning for Kandy, Colombo, Gampaha and several other districts.
Open sourceA short emergency post with a photo of the catastrophic landslide situation on the Ella–Wellawaya road.
Open sourceThe Irrigation Department warns that if rainfall reaches forecast levels, flooding in low-lying and riverside areas will be unavoidable.
Open sourceThe Ella–Wellawaya road was temporarily closed due to landslide risk; later reopened, but authorities urge caution.
Open sourceThe editorial team posts a weather infographic without commentary, implying that the wind and bad weather speak for themselves.
Open sourceThe meteorological service again warns of high temperatures and urges people to drink plenty of water.
Open sourceThe meteorological service issued a red alert due to extreme heat: up to 52°C in the northeast and up to 45°C in the western and southern provinces.
Open sourceTonight Sri Lanka residents can observe a meteor shower with more than 20 meteors per hour between 4 and 5 a.m.
Open sourceSri Lanka's Meteorological Department warns of increasing heat in the Western and Southern provinces due to reduced wind flow, with temperatures expected to peak in April.
Open sourceThe National Meteorological Centre forecasts over 100 mm of rainfall in the Galle and Matara areas from 15:00 on 8 January and urges precautions.
Open sourceA 5.6-magnitude earthquake near Sumatra sparked panic among locals due to Christmas coinciding with a full moon as in 2004; no tsunami threat reported.
Open sourceFour earthquakes ranging from 4.8 to 5.8 magnitude were recorded near the Maldives at a depth of 10 km; the Seismic Data Centre confirms no tsunami threat.
Open sourceA brief weather news announcement for Sri Lanka from the Ostrov channel.
Open sourceDaily digest for 7 November: a red alert has been declared in 20 districts due to a severe thunderstorm, with heavy rains expected.
Open sourceThe Irrigation Department warns of possible flooding in low-lying areas of the Nilwala River valley in Matara districts due to intense rainfall upstream.
Open sourceA tongue-in-cheek message about possible snow in some island areas, segueing into a more serious weather discussion.
Open sourceHeavy rains caused a road collapse near Ambewela; residents are advised to exercise caution and plan their routes in advance.
Open sourceAccording to the Emergency Management Centre, the current flooding has affected 46,060 people, with the Southern Province hardest hit.
Open sourceSri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre warns of possible flooding if rain continues; emergency number is 117.
Open sourceMorning digest with weather and a notice about a tsunami warning system drill in the districts of Trincomalee, Matara, and Galle.
Open sourceNews for islanders temporarily away: Sri Lanka continues to experience rain due to a powerful cyclone.
Open sourceWarning about ongoing rains in southern Sri Lanka, with advice to wear raincoats and avoid low-lying areas.
Open sourceNBRO issued yellow-level landslide warnings for five districts; the Meteorological Department warns of heavy rains and thunderstorms with winds up to 45 km/h at sea.
Open sourceThe NBRO extended its landslide warning until 4 pm on September 8 for areas in Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, and Ratnapura districts, listing warning signs to watch for.
Open sourceA brief warning about extremely heavy rains across the island, advising to plan travel carefully, with a tongue-in-cheek suggestion to buy a boat.
Open sourceTwo news items: a Colombo resident has been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis linked to Galle prison; heavy rains up to 75 mm forecast for the southwest.
Open sourceThe meteorology department issued an amber warning for dangerous heat index levels in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.
Open sourceWeather warning of strong winds up to 65 km/h and heavy rains in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts.
Open sourceA short observation about a heavy warm 'mushroom' rain in Weligama.
Open sourceA NASA study reported by the New Zealand Herald: gravity is lower in Sri Lanka, so tourists weigh slightly less there than, for example, in Turkey.
Open sourceA University of Colombo scientist warns of a penumbral lunar eclipse on Vesak night — from 20:44 to 01:11, visible across Asia.
Open sourcePart one of a geography primer: the island's area, coastline length, neighbouring seas, and three terrain zones of Sri Lanka.
Open sourceA video debunks the myth that southern Sri Lanka is a write-off in summer due to rain, explaining the difference between high and low seasons.
Open sourceThe National Met Center warns of thunderstorms after 14:00 across the island, with particularly heavy rain expected in western provinces, Galle, and Matara.
Open sourceA minor magnitude 4.4 earthquake was recorded 25.8 km from Hambantota; no tsunami threat reported.
Open sourceSaturday digest: reports of the rainy season starting on the south coast, with Coconut Tree Hill recommended as a sunset viewpoint.
Open sourceThe Meteorology Department declared extreme heat for eight districts in the north and center of the island, warning of heat stroke risk.
Open sourceThe editorial team challenges subscribers to answer 10 questions about Sri Lanka's history, geography and culture, with a special prize for the first to answer all correctly.
Open sourceAdam's Bridge is a chain of shoals in the Palk Strait separating Sri Lanka and India; until the 15th century it was passable on foot from India to the island.
Open sourceCoastal areas of Sri Lanka are exposed to strong winds that prevent tourists from feeling the intensity of the sun's rays and lead to sunburn.
Open sourceEven during the rainy season, Sri Lanka averages 5–6 hours of sunshine daily, allowing beach time and excursions.
Open sourceWeather report: the southern provinces from Colombo to Hambantota can expect thunderstorms and winds of 25–45 km/h; residents are advised to carry raincoats and be careful on bikes.
Open sourceThe channel reports a seismologist's forecast of a possible major earthquake near Indonesia and advises coastal residents to review tsunami safety instructions.
Open sourceSatellite data shows lower gravity levels in the Sri Lanka region, but scientists consider the effect negligible and not impacting life on the island.
Open sourceAfter a series of powerful earthquakes, the Anatolian plate shifted westward by 3–5 metres, with photos from the scene causing shock.
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