Heavy showers exceeding 100 mm are likely at some places across several provinces in Sri Lanka over the next few days, as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, bringing increased rainfall, particularly to the southwestern parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology stated.

According to the latest weather forecast, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western and Central provinces, and in the Anuradhapura District. Rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some locations.

Meanwhile, the depression was located near latitude 15.3°N and longitude 91.2°E at 8.30 a.m. today (25). The system is expected to intensify into a deep depression today before developing into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow morning (26) and a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by October 27.

Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow is likely to increase rainfall over the southwestern parts of the island during the coming days.

Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.

Strong winds reaching 40–50 kmph are also possible at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The general public is urged to take necessary precautions against localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers, while remaining alert to periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in areas where rainfall totals could exceed 100 mm.