Deep Depression to Cause Rough Seas and Strong Winds Around Sri Lanka on January 10
Marine weather conditions around Sri Lanka are expected to remain highly unsettled on 10 January 2026 due to a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. According to the Department of Meteorology, the system was located about 110 kilometres northeast of Batticaloa at 7.00 p.m. on 9 January 2026. It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the Sri Lanka coast between Trincomalee and Jaffna during the afternoon of January 10, significantly affecting sea conditions around the island.
As a result of this system, naval and fishing communities have been strongly advised not to venture into both deep and shallow sea areas around the island until further notice. Fishermen and marine operators are urged to remain extremely cautious and closely follow weather forecasts and official bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology, as conditions at sea may deteriorate rapidly.
Showers or thundershowers are expected to occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Batticaloa via Mannar, Kankasanthurai, and Trincomalee. In addition, isolated showers or thundershowers may develop in other sea areas around the island, particularly during periods of enhanced cloudiness associated with the system. These weather conditions may be accompanied by sudden squalls and reduced visibility.
Winds over the surrounding sea areas are expected to be mainly northerly, with speeds ranging between 35 and 45 kilometres per hour. However, wind speeds may increase significantly at times, reaching 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, especially in areas closer to the influence of the deep depression. Such strong winds are likely to create hazardous marine conditions.
The state of the sea is expected to be rough to very rough at times around the island. Wave heights may increase to about 2.5 to 3.5 metres in sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee, though this does not apply to land areas. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers, making marine activities extremely dangerous.
The Department of Meteorology continues to monitor the system closely and urges all sea users to remain attentive to future updates and safety advisories.