The pressure depression will enter the island between Pottuvil and Trincomalee in the evening.

Due to the deep depression that has developed in the Bay of Bengal sea area to the southeast of Sri Lanka, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a red alert. On January 09, 2026 

By 06:00 AM, this weather system was located about 170 km east of Batticaloa and is very likely to move northwestwards and cross the coast between Pottuvil and Trincomalee during the evening of today (January 09). Due to the direct impact of this situation, a significant increase in rain and wind conditions can be expected in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces of the island.

Especially in the Northern, North-Central, and Eastern provinces, very strong winds of 50-60 kmph can occur on January 09, with gusts occasionally reaching up to 70 kmph. Additionally, strong winds of about 50-60 kmph can occur occasionally in the Western, North-Western, Uva, and Central provinces, and this wind condition is expected to gradually decrease on January 10 and 11. Regarding the rain situation, it is stated that heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm can occur in some places in the Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm or moderately heavy rainfall between 50-75 mm can also be expected in the Ampara, Batticaloa, and Matale districts, while rain or thundershowers are possible in the evening or night in the Sabaragamuwa, Western, and Southern provinces.

Strict cautionary notices have also been issued regarding sea areas, and the fishing community has been advised to refrain from fishing and naval activities in the deep and shallow sea areas around the island until further notice. Especially, sailing in the sea zone between Northern Latitudes 04 - 14 and Eastern Longitudes 76 - 85 is very dangerous, so these areas should be avoided, and those currently engaged in fishing activities in these sea areas are requested to return to land or a safe location immediately.

Due to this adverse weather condition, the public should be especially careful to minimize damage to property and loss of life. It has been pointed out that there is a risk of damage to shanties and temporary structures, roofs being blown off, electricity and telephone lines falling, and trees collapsing due to strong winds. Furthermore, crops such as paddy, bananas, and papayas can also be damaged, and boatyards located near ports can also suffer damage. There is also a risk of coastal low-lying areas being inundated by seawater and flash floods.

As a safety measure, temporary residents in coastal areas should move to safe locations, and other people in affected areas are advised to stay indoors. People living in hilly areas, especially those in landslide-prone areas and low-lying areas near rivers, as well as motorists, should be vigilant about this weather condition. The Department of Meteorology urges the public to refrain from using corded telephones and electrical appliances during thundershowers and to seek assistance from officials at local disaster management centers in case of an emergency.