By Sarah Hannan The Department of Meteorology has forecasted showers or thunderstorms in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, and Central Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts from time to time throughout the day. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other provinces including the Northern, Eastern, and Uva Provinces in the evening or night. Very heavy rainfalls above 150 mm is expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts, while rainfalls about 100 mm is expected in the Northern, North Central, and North Western Provinces and in the Trincomalee District. Wind speed can increase up to 60-70 kmph at times in the Southern Province, the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts, and along the western slopes of the central hills. The sea areas extending from Mannar to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota can be rough at times. The other sea areas around the island can be fairly rough at times. There is a possibility that near-shore sea areas off the coast extending from Beruwala to Hambantota via Galle may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having a 2.0-3.0 m height (this is not the height of near-shore waves). Naval and fishing communities and those living in coastal areas are requested to be vigilant in this regard.