COLOMBO - Showers above 75mm can be expected in Sri Lanka as a result of a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal, which is set to intensify into a cyclonic storm, according to the Department of Meteorology.
The depression, currently located near latitude 11.2°N and longitude 82.7°E, is moving away from the island nation's northern coast towards the North Tamil Nadu coast of India. It is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours.
The weather system is forecasted to continue its movement northwards, crossing the South Andhra Pradesh coasts of India by December 5, 2023.
As a result, cloudy skies can be expected over the Northern, North-central, and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern and North-central provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts.
The Meteorology Department has warned that several areas may experience heavy showers above 75mm. These include the Sabaragamuwa province, as well as the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
In the Uva province, as well as in the Ampara and Hambantota districts, showers or thundershowers are expected to occur at several places after 1.00 p.m.
In the Western province, including Galle and Matara districts, showers are predicted to occur during the morning.
Strong winds, ranging from 40-50 kmph, can be expected at times over the Northern, North-central, North-western, and Southern provinces. The Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts will also experience strong winds due to the approaching cyclonic storm.
Authorities have urged the general public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
The Department of Meteorology will continue to monitor the weather system closely and issue regular updates and warnings to ensure the safety of the public.
