Weather conditions in the sea areas around Sri Lanka are expected to become increasingly rough and hazardous during the next 24 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 12 hours, according to the Department of Meteorology. This weather system is forecast to move west-northwestwards towards the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, significantly affecting marine conditions, particularly along the eastern, northern and southern sea routes.
In view of the deteriorating sea conditions, naval and fishing communities have been warned not to venture into both deep and shallow sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil from 07 January until further notice. Authorities have emphasized the importance of closely following future forecasts and advisories issued by the Meteorological Department as the system continues to evolve and approach the island.
Showery weather is expected at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Matara via Trincomalee and Pottuvil. In addition, showers or thundershowers may develop at several locations in the remaining sea areas around the island, particularly during the evening or night hours, contributing to reduced visibility and unstable sea conditions.
Winds over the sea areas will be predominantly north-easterly, with general wind speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour. However, significantly stronger winds are expected in several regions. Wind speeds may increase up to 60–70 kilometres per hour at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil. In addition, wind speeds may reach 50–60 kilometres per hour at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Beruwala to Kankasanthurai via Colombo and Puttalam. These strong winds are likely to create hazardous conditions for marine activities.
As a result of these winds and active weather patterns, the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil are expected to be rough to very rough at times. Sea areas off the coast from Beruwala to Kankasanthurai via Colombo and Puttalam will also be rough at times, while other sea areas around the island may experience moderate conditions. Furthermore, wave heights may increase to about 2.5 to 3.0 metres in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee, posing additional risks to maritime operations.
