Dry weather to ease as showers, strong winds forecast: Met Department

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo,  January 26 (Daily Mirror) - The Meteorology Department yesterday said the prevailing dry weather conditions are expected to ease, with several spells of showers forecast across many parts of the island.

In a statement, the Department said showers are likely in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, North-Western and Uva provinces, as well as in the Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts. Showers or thundershowers may also occur at isolated places in other areas after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy showers of around 50 mm could occur at some locations in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts.

The Department further said fairly strong winds of about 30–40 kmph are expected over the eastern slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North-Central, North-Western and Eastern provinces, and in the Matara, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.

Meanwhile, showers may occur at times in the sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Mannar and from Kankesanthurai to Trincomalee and Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may also occur in the remaining sea areas around the island during the evening or night.

Wind speeds in coastal areas are expected to range between 25–35 kmph, while wind speeds in sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota may increase to 45–50 kmph at times.

Accordingly, the sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota are expected to be fairly rough at times.

The Departmenturged the public to take necessary precautions to minimise possible damage caused by temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.