# SRI LANKA TODAY WEATHER FORECAST FOR SEA AREAS ON 09 JANUARY 2026

- Link: https://www.weather.lk/sri-lanka-today-weather-forecast-for-sea-areas-on-09-january-2026/
- Published: 2026-01-09T10:45:18+05:30
- Author: Weather LK

**Deep Depression Over Bay of Bengal to Affect Sri Lanka with Rough Seas and Strong
Winds**

A deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal continues to influence weather
conditions across Sri Lanka and surrounding sea areas. According to the latest observations,
the system moved nearly northwestwards at a speed of about **10 km per hour during
the past six hours**. As of **5.30 a.m. on 9 January 2026**, the centre of the deep
depression was located near latitude **7.1°N and longitude 83.3°E**, approximately**
160 km east of Pottuvil**, **190 km east-southeast of Batticaloa**, **260 km east-
northeast of Hambantota**, and **280 km southeast of Trincomalee**.

![](https://www.weather.lk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Special_Tropical_Weather_Outlook_based_on_0000_UTC_of_09_01_2026-
0003-1024x538.jpg)

Weather authorities state that the system is **very likely to continue moving northwestwards**
and is expected to **cross the northern coast of Sri Lanka between Trincomalee and
Jaffna between 11.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on 10 January 2026**. As the deep depression
approaches the island, **cloudy skies, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea
conditions** are expected to intensify.

The estimated **central pressure of the system is around 1004 hPa**, while the **
maximum sustained wind speed is about 30 knots**. Sea conditions remain **very rough**,
with **significant wave heights ranging from 4.0 to 6.0 metres**, especially over
the eastern and northern sea areas. Ship observations taken during the **early morning
hours of 9 January** indicate strong winds and reduced pressure, confirming the 
continued strength of the system.

![](https://scontent.fcmb11-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/612222811_1173253431646968_3469086426580320687_n.
jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_eui2=AeGPJejC4_jCrCajeE75FNJVU9dlTK1UpK9T12VMrVSkr8zNUz60g0uwDFzfXBSfcdoxEkciisdPrrUjb6aLzpAB&
_nc_ohc=tGKc6gQGz1MQ7kNvwG7eIlL&_nc_oc=AdkwUJAbRp8d--_yRZTonlH_9ilyNo2Vj9_wchG5J5gQFReosPM3PnGLqyHc4yEf_Gfbj7igbi6BwI4KL22-
of3R&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fcmb11-2.fna&_nc_gid=TYtMtHsvMloXVJ4YjCiP7w&oh=00_AfpJt5uhUhGN82eDoYUkJW5JYgH7H_Bun4J_hfqQzAbTIg&
oe=6966496A)

Satellite imagery from **INSAT-3DS**, analyzed shows the deep depression maintaining
an intensity level of **T2.0**. **Scattered to broken low and medium-level cloud
formations**, along with **embedded intense to very intense convective activity**,
are present over the southern Bay of Bengal, adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean, 
and Sri Lanka. Moderate to intense convection is also affecting the **Palk Strait,
Gulf of Mannar, and adjoining coastal regions**, increasing the risk of heavy showers
and gusty winds.

Due to hazardous sea conditions, **naval and fishing communities are strictly warned
not to venture into deep or shallow sea areas around the island until further notice**.
Fishermen currently at sea are advised to **return to the nearest harbour as early
as possible and remain alert to official weather updates**.

![](https://scontent.fcmb3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/612620521_1173253451646966_4235459238939720427_n.
jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_eui2=AeExmWYm_SV88bbUOCy83kCXhNM5QBKC_H6E0zlAEoL8fh-
VXfBZl8nnv_Suc7bJTkD62B7UVt-3p_CLodcyTgVZ&_nc_ohc=cmcoeS3994oQ7kNvwFtzMYz&_nc_oc
=AdmHKOPwV6FCgoeXZGgtNSvrPAGpN5-MDg6nG4PGZt6aabqCYGciY7SzWzdrk3nwF_-S92zKv5garKpyusUAt4Ic&
_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fcmb3-2.fna&_nc_gid=SD43bf0ag-6a3MjIh-VevQ&oh=00_Afptjw0URNiN22GYSpWhRtytGAvzGMownws-
e-1m5nq_zQ&oe=6966609F)

Regarding rainfall, **showers or thundershowers are expected at times in sea areas
off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota**, passing through **Mannar, Kankasanthurai,
Trincomalee, and Pottuvil**. In other surrounding sea areas, showers or thundershowers
may occur **mainly during the evening and night hours**.

Winds over the sea will be **north-easterly**, with speeds of **35–45 kmph**, increasing
to **60–70 kmph at times**, particularly during thundershowers. The sea around the
island will remain **rough to very rough**, with **wave heights of about 2.5 to 
3.5 metres** along the eastern and southeastern coasts.

The **Department of Meteorology continues to closely monitor the system**, and the
general public and maritime communities are urged to **stay vigilant and follow 
future advisories issued throughout the day and night**.