The depression that developed over the southwest Bay of Bengal and affected Sri Lanka has crossed the northeast coast near Mullaitivu between 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. today, according to the Department of Meteorology. By 5.30 p.m., the system was located approximately 70 kilometres southeast of Jaffna. Current meteorological assessments indicate that the system is likely to move westward during the next 12 hours and gradually weaken into a low-pressure area, resulting in a slow reduction of its overall impact on the island’s weather conditions.
Despite the gradual weakening of the system, adverse sea conditions continue to prevail around several coastal areas. Accordingly, naval and fishing communities are strongly advised not to venture into both deep and shallow sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, and Kankasanthurai until further notice. However, the earlier warning issued to restrict fishing and naval activities in sea areas extending from Colombo to Trincomalee via Galle, Hambantota, and Batticaloa has now been withdrawn, reflecting improving conditions in those regions. Mariners and fishing communities are urged to remain attentive to future weather forecasts and official bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
With regard to sea area rainfall, showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Mannar and Kankasanthurai. In addition, isolated showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island, particularly during the evening and night hours.
Northerly winds are expected to dominate the surrounding sea areas. Wind speeds of 35 to 45 kilometres per hour are likely in sea areas off the coast from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, and Kankasanthurai, with temporary increases up to 60–70 kilometres per hour at times. In the remaining sea areas around the island, wind speeds are expected to range between 25 and 35 kilometres per hour.
Sea conditions will remain rough to very rough in the affected coastal belt from Colombo to Trincomalee via Puttalam, Mannar, and Kankasanthurai, while moderate sea conditions are expected elsewhere. Wave heights may increase to about 2.5 to 3.5 metres in sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.