Development of rain and wind conditions across the island

The Department of Meteorology announces that due to the low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, there has been an increase in rain and wind conditions across the island.

The Department of Meteorology announces that the lower atmospheric disturbance that was established in the Bay of Bengal sea area, southeast of the island, has now developed into a low-pressure area. Due to the influence of this system, a change in the island's weather conditions is expected from January 08th. A clear increase in rainfall is especially expected in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces during this period.

Showers may occur at times in the Eastern, Central, Uva, North Central, and Northern provinces, and heavy rainfall may also be reported in some areas of the island. Especially in the Uva province and in some places in the Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall of about 100 mm. Additionally, forecasts indicate that rain or thundershowers may occur at scattered places in the rest of the island after approximately 1:00 PM.

An increase in wind conditions across the island is also expected, with strong winds of about 50 kmph occurring at times in the eastern slopes of the central hills, Northern, North Central, North Western, and Eastern provinces. The Department of Meteorology also points out that these strong wind conditions may affect Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo, and Monaragala districts. The public is requested to take necessary safety precautions to minimize temporary strong winds and lightning-related accidents during thundershowers.

Considering the prevailing weather conditions in the sea areas, the sea areas off the coast from Beruwala to Matara via Colombo, Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, and Trincomalee may be rough at times, as the wind speed can increase to 50 to 60 kmph at times. Since there is a possibility of sea waves rising to about 2.5 to 3.0 meters in the sea areas off the coast from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee, the fishing and naval communities are advised to remain constantly vigilant regarding the forecasts and announcements issued by the Department of Meteorology.