A low-pressure area over the southeastern Bay of Bengal is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a depression on 15 November, the Department of Meteorology has warned.

The system is then expected to move north-northwestwards and further develop into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal around 16 November.

A Red Weather Warning for strong winds and rough seas has been issued from 5.30 a.m. on 14 November until 5.30 a.m. on 15 November.

The warning applies to multi-day fishing boats operating in the deep-sea areas of the southeastern Bay of Bengal and coastal waters from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil.

Naval and fishing communities have been advised to avoid the affected sea areas, including waters between 05°N–15°N and 80°E–90°E, from 5.30 a.m. on 14 November until further notice.

Those already at sea in the affected areas have been urged to move to safer locations and follow future weather updates.