Sri Lanka will continue to experience unsettled weather on 25 September as the influence of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal gradually weakens.The system has weakened into a depression and moved inland across India. Its direct impact on Sri Lanka is expected to gradually decrease from tomorrow, although several areas may still experience heavy rain, strong winds and thundershowers.
Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-Western provinces. Heavy rainfall of around 100 mm is possible at some locations in these areas. Residents and motorists are advised to remain alert during periods of intense rainfall, particularly where temporary strong winds and lightning accompany thunderstorms.
Fairly strong winds of around 30–40 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, as well as in the North-Central and North-Western provinces. Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts may also experience these stronger winds. The public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage from localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Sea Areas Around Sri Lanka
The deep depression that was previously over the Bay of Bengal has moved inland over India after crossing the coast of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. Although its influence on Sri Lanka is expected to weaken, hazardous marine conditions will continue over several sea areas.
Heavy thundershowers are expected over the west-central Bay of Bengal, where winds may occasionally increase to 70–80 kmph. Sea conditions in these areas are expected to become very rough. Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas between 10°N and 22°N latitude and 82°E and 90°E longitude until further notice. Those already operating in the affected areas are advised to move away and remain attentive to further forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Around Sri Lanka, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may also develop in several other sea areas during the evening or night.
South-westerly winds will prevail, with speeds of 30–40 kmph. Wind speeds may increase to 55–65 kmph at times in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Negombo via Kankasanthurai, Mannar and Puttalam, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Winds may also reach 50–55 kmph in the sea areas from Negombo to Galle via Beruwala.
The sea areas from Trincomalee to Negombo and from Galle to Pottuvil may become very rough at times, while the sea areas from Negombo to Galle via Beruwala will be rough. Wave heights may reach around 2.0–2.5 metres from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. Temporary strong gusty winds and very rough seas may occur during thundershowers.
