Sri Lanka is expected to experience continued rainy weather on 21 September, particularly across the southwestern parts of the island, as a low-pressure area develops over the Bay of Bengal. The system has formed northeast of Sri Lanka near the Andaman region and is not expected to have a direct impact on the island. However, winds flowing toward the developing system are expected to maintain the prevailing wet conditions over several areas.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is possible at some locations in these areas. Several spells of showers may also occur in the North-Central Province and Mannar district.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 2.00 p.m. Fairly strong winds of around 30–40 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central hills, North-Central and North-Western provinces, as well as in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.
The public is advised to take adequate precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Sea Areas Around Sri Lanka
The low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea is expected to intensify during the next few days. As a result, wind and rainy conditions over the Bay of Bengal are expected to increase. Naval and fishing communities operating in these sea areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.
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 occur 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 up to 50–60 kmph at times in the sea areas from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Winds may also reach 50 kmph at times from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar.
Sea conditions will be rough at times from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota and fairly rough from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar. Wave heights may increase to around 2.0–2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas are possible during thundershowers.
