Heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm is expected at some locations in the Northern and Eastern provinces tomorrow (November 15) as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify, the Department of Meteorology has warned.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in Northern and Eastern Provinces as Low-Pressure System Intensifies
The system, located approximately 650 kilometres east of Batticaloa, is expected to move northwestwards, away from Sri Lanka's eastern coast, and develop into a depression by tomorrow.
The department further forecasts that the system could intensify into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal around November 16.
Cloudy skies are expected across the island tomorrow, with showers occurring at times in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Western and North Western provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may also occur in parts of the Uva and Central provinces and the Hambantota district during the evening or night.
The public has been advised to take necessary precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. Misty conditions are also expected in several areas during the early hours of the morning.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology has issued a warning advising naval and fishing communities not to venture into deep-sea areas bounded by 05°N–15°N and 80°E–90°E, as well as sea areas extending from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil.
The warning has been in effect since 5.30 a.m. on November 14 until further notice. Naval and fishing communities already operating in these areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
Winds in the sea areas around the island are expected to be north-easterly or northerly, with speeds of 30–40 kmph.
Wind speeds could increase up to 60 kmph in sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Batticaloa, while speeds in other surrounding sea areas may reach 50 kmph at times.
The sea areas along the coast from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Batticaloa are expected to be rough at times, while other surrounding sea areas may become fairly rough.
The department has further warned that temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas could occur during thundershowers.
Naval and fishing communities have been urged to remain alert to further weather forecasts and warnings issued by the Department of Meteorology.
