India’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is set to begin today, Saturday, August 15, India’s Independence Day. The Men in Blue will take the field at the Galle International Stadium at 10:00 AM IST, desperate for a win to revive their World Test Championship (WTC) qualification hopes. However, their preparations have already taken a hit, as Friday’s practice session had to be cut short due to rain. Now, as the opening day dawns, the skies above Galle look threatening, and it would be no surprise if showers pour down and play spoilsport.
Galle Weather Forecast Today During India vs Sri Lanka 1st Match
At the time of writing, thick dark clouds hover over the coastal city, and according to the Met Office, there is an 80% chance of precipitation. For cricket fans hoping for a full day of uninterrupted action, the forecast is not very pleasant, with a 90% chance of rain predicted throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to fluctuate between a high of 30°C and a low of 26°C, accompanied by high humidity and a maximum wind gust of 17 mph blowing in from the west.
Galle Hourly Weather Forecast (Met Office Data)
- 09:00 AM (Pre-Match / Toss Build-up): 27°C | 70% chance of rain | Overcast with gusty winds (15 mph)
- 10:00 AM (Scheduled Match Start): 28°C | 60% chance of rain | High threat of passing showers; dark cloud cover
- 11:00 AM (Morning Session): 29°C | 55% chance of rain | Scattered light rain and humid conditions
- 12:00 PM (Lunch Break Window): 29°C | 45% chance of rain | Mostly cloudy; rain easing into drizzle
- 01:00 PM (Post-Lunch Session): 30°C | 35% chance of rain | Overcast skies with brief sunny intervals
- 02:00 PM (Afternoon Session): 30°C | 30% chance of rain | Partly cloudy; low chance of passing shower
- 03:00 PM (Tea Break Window): 29°C | 25% chance of rain | Clearing skies and breezy
- 04:00 PM (Final Session): 28°C | 20% chance of rain | Mostly dry and cloudy
- 05:00 PM – 05:30 PM (Stumps / Close of Play): 27°C | 20% chance of rain | Overcast; fading light conditions
IND vs SL Test: Will Rain Delay Toss And Match Start?
The chances of interruptions right from the get-go are highly probable. At the scheduled toss time, there is a looming 70% probability of rain. This threat remains persistent as the clock ticks toward the 10:00 AM kickoff, with a 60% chance of showers right at the start time. Fans and players should brace for a likely delayed toss and a frustrating start to the morning session.
What Happens if Rain Delays the Match on Day 1?
If rain prevents the toss or the start of play, the umpires will keep the pitch and square strictly under covers. Once the rain stops, the ground staff will work to dry the outfield, and match officials will conduct periodic inspections. A standard day in Test cricket consists of 90 overs. If time is lost due to rain, the officials will recalculate the minimum overs required for the day. To compensate for the lost time, umpires can extend the day’s play by up to 30 minutes in the evening, or they may choose to shorten the traditional Lunch and Tea breaks. If the rain is relentless and the outfield remains waterlogged, the entire day could be washed out, forcing the match to resume on Day 2 with revised session timings to make up for the deficit.
