Bay of Bengal depression expected to enter Sri Lanka tomorrow

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, January 8 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Meteorology warned that a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of Sri Lanka, is likely to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours.

Addressing a media briefing today, Director General of the Department of Meteorology Athula Karunanayake said that according to the analysis of the Department of Meteorology, this depression will most likely enter the country between Hambantota and Kalmunai tomorrow evening between 5:30 and 11:30.

The system was located about 490 kms southeast of Pottuvil at 11.30 p.m. yesterday (07) and is expected to move westwards and north-westwards towards the eastern coast of the island within the next 24 hours.

Cloudy skies will prevail over most parts of the country, with showers or thundershowers expected at times in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva, Central and Southern Provinces. Showers or thundershowers may also occur at isolated places in other areas after 1.00 p.m.

Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some places in the Eastern and Uva Provinces, while moderate rainfall of 50–75 mm may occur in other parts of the island.

Strong winds of 50 to 60 kmph may occur at times in the eastern slopes of the Central Highlands, the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Eastern Provinces, as well as in the Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Moneragala districts.

The Department of Meteorology urges the public to take necessary precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.