A depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the morning of 27 October, while its associated winds are likely to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Sri Lanka, the Department of Meteorology stated.

Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, some areas in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North Western and Northern provinces, as well as the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Anuradhapura districts, could receive over 100 mm of rain today (25).

Showers or thundershowers are also expected in parts of the Uva Province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.

Winds of 40–50 km/h are possible in several areas, including the western slopes of the Central Hills and the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces.

The public has been urged to take precautions against lightning and temporary strong winds during thundershowers.