Low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal brings heavy rains to several provinces

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, Feb. 17 (Daily Mirror) - A low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal, approximately 930 kilometres southeast of Pottuvil, the Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, said today (17).

Karunanayake noted that the system has a low chance of further development, but it is expected to bring significant rainfall to parts of the country over the coming days.

Increased rainfall is expected in the Northern, North-Central, Central, Uva, and Eastern provinces starting today.

Occasional showers may occur in the Hambantota District.

Fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm may occur at some locations in the Central, Uva, and Eastern provinces, as well as in Polonnaruwa.

Showers or thundershowers are likely at several places elsewhere after 1.00 pm, with heavy falls of around 75 mm possible in some areas.

Foggy conditions may prevail in the North-Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts during the morning hours.

Karunanayake urged the public to take precautions to minimise potential damage from strong winds and lightning during thundershowers and to stay alert to updates and weather advisories issued by the Meteorology Department.