A deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm today (October 26), followed by a severe cyclonic storm by October 27, the Department of Meteorology has warned.
The system has moved westwards and is currently centred near latitude 15.3°N and longitude 89.7°E. It is expected to continue moving westwards before turning west-northwestwards and intensifying further over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
Although the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, increased rainfall is expected over the southwestern parts of the island during the next few days due to associated wind patterns.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, Central and North-Central provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee District. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is possible at some locations in these areas.
Showers or thundershowers are also expected at several places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Highlands, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities not to venture into deep-sea areas bounded by 10°N–20°N and 80°E–95°E until further notice. Those already operating in these areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
Southwesterly winds of 30–40 kmph are expected in the sea areas around the island. Wind speeds could increase to 60–65 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Mannar via Kankesanthurai and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Winds could reach speeds of up to 50 kmph in other sea areas.
The sea areas off the coasts from Trincomalee to Mannar via Kankesanthurai and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota are expected to be very rough at times, while other sea areas around the island may also become rough.
Wave heights could reach 2.0–2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara.
Temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas are also possible during thundershowers.
The public is advised to take adequate precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms. Naval and fishing communities are urged to remain alert to weather updates and advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.
