Depression over SW Bay of Bengal enters island: Met.Dept.

The depression centred over the southwest Bay of Bengal has entered through the east coast of the country and is moving across the country, the Meteorology Department said.

Therefore, a cloudy sky will prevail over most parts of the island, and there could be thundershowers in the Northern, North-Central, and Eastern provinces.

Sowers could also be expected elsewhere during the afternoon or night.

Heavy showers above 100mm would be likely in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, and Uva provinces and in the Puttalam district.

Strong winds of 40 to 50 km/h are expected at times over the provinces of Northern, North-Central, Eastern, and North-Western provinces.

The Meteorology Department still cautions the fishing and naval communities not to venture into fishing and naval activities in the sea areas off the coast during the next 24 hour extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Colombo, Puttalam, Mannar, Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa, and requesting that they be vigilant in the other sea areas around the island.

Wind speeds will range between 40 and 50 km/h with gusts reaching 70 km/h in the coastal areas.

Heavy showers and rough seas could also be expected in the above sea area.

Therefore, naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the above-mentioned sea area during the next 24 hour.

Meanwhile, the general public are advised to take adequate precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from possible damages caused by sudden gusts and lightning during thundershowers. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)