The Department of Meteorology has forecast widespread showers and strong winds across several parts of Sri Lanka over the next 24 hours, while issuing warnings for rough sea conditions around much of the island.
Showers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 mm is likely in some of these areas.
Meanwhile, Anuradhapura and Mannar districts are expected to experience several spells of showers throughout the day.
Strong south-westerly winds with speeds of 40–50 km/h are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and in the Ratnapura, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.
For sea areas around the island, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places off the coast from Kalpitiya to Galle via Colombo.
South-westerly winds will generally range between 30–40 km/h, but are expected to strengthen significantly in some areas.
Wind speeds may reach 55–65 km/h in the sea areas extending from Mullaitivu to Puttalam via Mannar, and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Other sea areas around the island could experience wind speeds of up to 50 km/h at times.
As a result, the sea areas from Mullaitivu to Puttalam via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be very rough at times, while other surrounding sea areas are expected to be fairly rough.
Wave heights of approximately 2.0 to 2.5 metres are also forecast in the sea areas from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.
Authorities advise fishermen, naval operators and the public to exercise caution due to strong winds, rough seas and the possibility of heavy rainfall in affected areas.
