Beware of strong winds: Met Dept.

Issuing a special weather advisory, the Meteorology Department today warned the public to be vigilant of strong winds and rough seas, which is expected to prevail till Tuesday (17)

Duty Meteorologist told the Daily Mirror that due to a developing low pressure in the Bay of Bengal, the possibility for increasing wind speed is still high, over the Island and surrounding sea areas.

The official said that strong gusty winds up to 60kmph could be expected over the island particularly in Western, Southern, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Northcentral and North-western provinces and in Ampara and Trincomalee districts.

Accordingly, sea areas extending from Negombo to Batticaloa via Puttalam, Kankesanthurai and Trincomalee and also in Hambantota to Pottuvil could be very rough at times as the wind speed can increase up to 60 to 65 kmph at times.

It said that other sea areas can be rough at times as the wind speed can increase up to 50-55 kmph at times, therefore, requested the naval and fishing communities to be vigilant.

Meanwhile, the official said that showery condition was also expected to intensify in the south-western part of the island in the next few days. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)