Weather conditions in the sea areas around Sri Lanka during the next 24 hours are expected to be influenced by a low-level atmospheric disturbance that has developed in the Bay of Bengal to the east of the island, according to the Department of Meteorology. This weather system continues to affect marine conditions across a wide range of surrounding waters, leading to increased cloudiness, passing showers, strengthening winds and changes in sea conditions in several regions. Such disturbances are common in the Bay of Bengal and often influence short-term weather patterns across Sri Lanka’s surrounding sea areas.
Showers are expected to occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee and Batticaloa. These eastern and northeastern sea regions may experience intermittent rainfall during the forecast period, with cloud cover remaining variable at times. Passing showers may reduce visibility temporarily in these areas, particularly during periods of increased cloud activity associated with the atmospheric disturbance.
Winds over the sea areas around the island are expected to be predominantly north-easterly in direction. Wind speeds will generally range between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour across most surrounding waters, resulting in moderate marine conditions. However, wind speeds can increase at times, reaching between 50 and 55 kilometres per hour in certain sea areas, especially off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Colombo, Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. These temporary increases in wind speed are linked to changes in pressure patterns caused by the disturbance.
Due to the strengthening of winds, the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Colombo, Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa are expected to be rough at times during the next 24 hours. Increased wave activity may be observed in these regions, particularly in open sea areas. Other sea areas around the island may be fairly rough, with moderate wave conditions prevailing throughout the day.
Naval and fishing communities operating in the sea areas around Sri Lanka are requested to remain attentive to future weather forecasts and official bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology, as marine weather conditions may vary depending on the development and movement of the atmospheric disturbance.
