- Meteorology Department warns of 100 mm rainfall and gusts of up to 50 kmph
The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers and thundershowers across several parts of the country over the 36 hours starting from last evening and warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds associated with the active south-west monsoon.
According to the weather forecast issued at 4 p.m. yesterday (7), showers or thunderstorms are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
Heavy rainfall of around 100 mm is likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. A few showers are also expected in the Anuradhapura District.
The Department stated that strong winds of between 40 and 50 kmph could occur at times over the western slopes of the central hills, the Northern and North Central Provinces and in the Hambantota and Trincomalee districts. Fairly strong winds of between 30 and 40 kmph are expected in other parts of the country.
The public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, the Department's Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued a strong wind advisory, valid until 3.30 p.m. today (8), for the Central, Sabaragamuwa, Northern and North Central Provinces and the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The advisory warns that the prevailing weather conditions could cause damage to roofs, power and communication lines, trees, paddy fields, banana and papaya plantations, orchards and harbour craft. There is also a risk of sea water inundation in low-lying coastal areas.
The Department has urged the public to remain alert to possible hazards caused by damaged roofs, fallen trees and power lines, to stay informed of changing weather conditions and to follow future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology. Those requiring emergency assistance have been advised to contact local disaster management authorities.