• Red warning of strong winds & rough seas as heavy rains continue 

The Meteorology Department has issued a Red Warning for strong winds and rough seas for multi-day boats operating in the deep-sea areas of the Bay of Bengal. The deep depression over the west-central and adjoining north-west Bay of Bengal was located near latitude 18 degrees North and longitude 84.7° East as of 5.30 a.m. yesterday (23). The system was very likely to move west-north-westwards and cross the coastal areas of northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, India, by yesterday night. Wind speeds in the sea areas marked under the “Warning” category may increase to 70 kilometres per hour (kmph) at times. Heavy thunderstorms can occur, and sea conditions in these areas will become very rough. Wind speeds in the sea areas marked under the “Advisory” category may increase to 55–60 kmph at times, and the sea conditions in these areas will be rough or very rough at times. Naval and fishing communities are warned not to venture into the sea areas bounded by 07° N to 22° N latitude and 83° E to 95° E longitude until further notice. Naval and fishing communities operating in these sea areas are advised to move away from the affected areas. Naval and fishing communities engaged in activities in these sea areas are advised to remain vigilant and pay close attention to future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department in this regard.

The Department has issued an “Amber” advisory for strong winds and rough seas in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Negombo via Kankesanturai (KKS) and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. The sea areas off the coasts extending from Trincomalee to Negombo via KKS and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota will be rough or very rough at times with strong gusty winds up to 55-65 kmph. The wave height may increase to about 2–2.5 metres in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara. The Naval and fishing communities who are engaged in fishing and Naval activities in the above sea areas are requested to be vigilant in this regard. 

The Department has issued an Amber-level advisory for heavy rain, warning of heavy rainfall in several parts of the country. The advisory, issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 7 a.m. yesterday, will remain in effect until 7 a.m. today (24). Showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts. Heavy showers exceeding 100 millimetres (mm) are likely in some areas. The general public in the affected areas has been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Meanwhile, the depression over the north-west Bay of Bengal, north-east of Sri Lanka, has intensified into a deep depression. Although the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, rainy conditions are likely to continue in the south-western parts of the island due to the wind flow towards the system. Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara Districts. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely in some areas. Several spells of showers are also expected in the North-Central Province and the Mannar District. Strong winds of around 40–50 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the North-Central and North-Western Provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale Districts. The public is advised to take necessary precautions to minimise the risk of damage from localised strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.