Weather conditions across Sri Lanka are expected to deteriorate from tomorrow, January 8, as a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal continues to strengthen and move closer to the island, according to the Department of Meteorology. The low-pressure area intensified into a depression earlier today and was centered near latitude 4.9°N and longitude 87.4°E at around 11.30 a.m. on January 7, approximately 700 kilometres southeast of Pottuvil. Meteorologists indicate that the system is moving west-northwestwards toward the eastern coast of Sri Lanka and is very likely to intensify further into a deep depression within the next 24 hours.
As a result of this developing system, showery conditions over the island are expected to intensify from January 8, particularly affecting the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces. Showers or thundershowers are forecast to occur at times in these regions, with periods of intense rainfall likely in several districts. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres is expected at some locations in the Eastern and Uva provinces, as well as in Polonnaruwa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Such rainfall may occur over relatively short durations, increasing the potential for disruptions to daily activities.
In addition, fairly heavy rainfall above 75 millimetres is likely at some places in the Northern Province and in the Anuradhapura and Kandy districts. Elsewhere across the island, showers or thundershowers may develop at several places after 1.00 p.m., particularly during the afternoon and evening hours due to daytime heating combined with the influence of the approaching weather system.
Wind conditions are also expected to become stronger as the depression approaches. Strong winds with speeds of around 50 to 60 kilometres per hour can be expected at times, especially over the eastern slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Eastern provinces, as well as in Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Monaragala districts. These gusty winds may be accompanied by thundershowers, increasing the likelihood of localized impacts.
The Department of Meteorology urges the general public to remain attentive to future weather forecasts and official advisories. People are kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize possible damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. Continuous monitoring of the system is underway, and further updates will be issued as the situation evolves.