Deep depression path shifts: No cyclone expected, Meteorology Department confirms

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, January 9 (Daily Mirror) - The path of the deep depression approaching Sri Lanka has shifted, and it is no longer expected to develop into a cyclonic storm, the Director General of the Meteorological Department, Athula Karunanayake, said today.

Speaking to the media, Karunanayake said that the deep depression, previously near the eastern coast, is now located approximately 200 km southeast of Batticaloa. “The path of the deep depression entering Sri Lanka has changed today. It is likely to make landfall near Trincomalee. This system does not show signs of developing into a cyclonic storm,” he explained.

The Meteorology Department has forecast that the depression is scheduled to enter the island between 5:30 pm and 11:30 pm today. While rainfall is expected to be less intense than earlier predicted, certain regions will still experience heavy showers.

Showers or thundershowers are likely in the Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces, with some areas receiving more than 100 mm of rainfall. Parts of the Uva and Central provinces may record 50–75 mm, while the rest of the island can expect evening or nighttime showers with wind speeds up to 50 km/h.

Karunanayake strongly urged the public to avoid fishing and maritime activities in the sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota due to rough conditions.

He added that the impact of rainfall is expected to decrease by tomorrow. “As the deep depression moves inland, the water vapor it carries will dissipate along with the rain, weakening the system as it moves away from the island,” he said.