Cyclone Arnab Weakens Its Influence as Strong Winds and Rough Seas Continue
Sri Lanka’s weather conditions are expected to gradually improve as the influence of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab weakens following its landfall over the coast of Andhra Pradesh, India. However, several provinces will continue to experience showers, while strong winds and dangerous sea conditions remain a concern for coastal areas and maritime communities.
Cyclone Arnab, which was located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, is currently making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast. As a result, the system’s influence on Sri Lanka’s weather has gradually decreased. Nevertheless, unsettled weather conditions and strong winds are expected in several parts of the country.
Rainfall Forecast for Sri Lanka
Several spells of showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Residents in these areas should remain prepared for intermittent rainfall throughout the day.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 1.00 p.m.
Strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph are expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The public is advised to take appropriate precautions to minimize possible damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Cyclone Arnab: Dangerous Sea Conditions and Strong Winds
Although Cyclone Arnab’s influence on Sri Lanka is gradually weakening, hazardous marine conditions are expected to continue around the island. The Department of Meteorology has issued a serious warning for naval and fishing communities operating in affected sea areas.
Wind speeds in the sea areas bounded by 10°N–20°N latitude and 80°E–90°E longitude may increase to 80–100 kmph at times. Heavy thundershowers are possible, while wave heights could rise to approximately 3.0–4.0 metres. Sea conditions in these areas are expected to become very rough.
Naval and fishing communities are strongly advised not to venture into these specified sea areas until further notice. Those already operating there should move away from the affected areas and closely follow future weather forecasts and advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Coastal Winds and Wave Conditions
Showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas surrounding Sri Lanka. South-westerly winds will generally blow at speeds of 30–40 kmph.
Wind speeds may increase to 60–65 kmph in deep and shallow sea areas extending from Puttalam to Mullaitivu via Kankasanthurai and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. In other sea areas, winds may reach 50 kmph at times.
The sea areas along these coastal stretches are expected to become very rough, while other surrounding sea areas may be rough at times. Wave heights could reach approximately 2.0–2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Temporarily strong gusty winds of 60–70 kmph and very rough seas may occur during thundershowers.
Public Safety Advice
Despite the gradual weakening of Cyclone Arnab’s influence, people should remain alert to changing weather conditions. Residents should secure loose outdoor objects, avoid exposed areas during thunderstorms and take precautions against lightning and strong winds.
Fishing and naval communities must strictly follow official marine warnings and avoid dangerous sea areas until authorities issue further updates.
The Department of Meteorology advises the public to monitor the latest forecasts and official bulletins, as weather and sea conditions may change throughout the day.