• Rough seas forecast along northern and southern coastal waters

Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (17), according to the Meteorological Department.

Showers or thunderstorms may occur at a few places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds of around 30-40 kilometres per hour (kmph) can be expected at times over the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Southern provinces and in the Trincomalee District.

The public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary, localised strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.

Showers may occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

Winds will be westerly to south-westerly at speeds of 30-40 kmph.

Wind speeds can increase to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and Puttalam, and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

The sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and Puttalam, and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough at times.

The naval and fishing communities engaged in activities in these sea areas have been urged to remain vigilant.

Wave heights may increase to around 2.0-2.5 metres in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.