The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) (where winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere converge) affects the island’s weather, the Meteorology Department said, adding that as a result, an increase in rainfall is expected over the island after today (6). The ITCZ, along with an associated low-level atmospheric disturbance, is likely to develop in the vicinity of Sri Lanka. As a result, an increase in rainfall is expected across the island from today. 

Showers or thunderstorms will occur at most places of the island after 1 p.m. yesterday (5). Cloudy conditions will prevail over the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Uva Provinces and the Ampara District in the Eastern Province. Morning showers are expected in these areas. Fairly heavy falls above 50 millimetres are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Eastern Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts (Southern Province) and the Polonnaruwa District (North Central Province). Fairly strong winds of about 30-40 kilometres per hour can be expected at times over the Northern and North-Central Provinces and in the Hambantota District (Southern Province). Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Central and Uva Provinces and in the Ampara District during the early hours of the morning. 

The general public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.

The Department of Meteorology is closely monitoring the evolution of this system, it added. 

Meanwhile, the general public has been requested to stay attentive to future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.