Weather conditions across Sri Lanka are expected to turn increasingly unsettled over the next 36 hours, as a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, located to the southeast of the island, is likely to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours, according to the Department of Meteorology. This system is expected to move west-northwestwards towards the eastern coast of the country, resulting in enhanced showery conditions over several parts of the island, particularly from January 8 onwards. The Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces are expected to be most affected as the system approaches.
During tonight, showers are expected to occur at times in the Eastern, Central, Uva, North-Central and Northern provinces. Heavy rainfall of about 100 millimetres is likely at some places, especially in the Uva province and in the districts of Nuwara-Eliya, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa and Ampara. These areas may experience persistent cloudy conditions accompanied by periods of intense rainfall as moisture associated with the developing system spreads across the island.
Tomorrow, showery conditions are expected to continue, particularly in the Uva province and in Batticaloa, Ampara, Polonnaruwa and Matale districts. Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres is likely at some places in these areas. In addition, several spells of showers are forecast for the Northern province as well as the Anuradhapura and Trincomalee districts, indicating a widespread influence of the low-pressure system across the northern and eastern regions of the country.
Elsewhere across the island, showers or thundershowers may occur at several places after 1.00 p.m., especially during the afternoon and evening hours. These conditions are typical during periods of increased atmospheric instability and may be accompanied by brief spells of heavy rain.
Wind conditions are also expected to strengthen at times during this period. Strong winds of about 50 kilometres per hour may occur over the eastern slopes of the central hills, as well as in the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Eastern provinces. Similar wind conditions may also be experienced in the Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Monaragala districts. The Department of Meteorology has advised the general public to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers, as the evolving weather system continues to influence conditions across the island.
