Rough seas, strong winds forecast in several coastal areas

Colombo, July 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Department of Meteorology has forecast rough sea conditions and strong winds in several sea areas around Sri Lanka over the next 24 hours, while isolated showers or thundershowers are expected off parts of the western and southern coasts.

According to the forecast issued at 5.30 a.m. today, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast from Negombo to Galle via Colombo.

South-westerly winds with speeds of 30-40 kmph are expected to prevail. Wind speeds could increase to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast from Hambantota to Pottuvil and from Mannar to Chilaw via Puttalam. In the remaining sea areas around the island, winds may increase to up to 50 kmph at times.

The sea areas off the coasts from Hambantota to Pottuvil and from Mannar to Chilaw via Puttalam are expected to be rough at times, while other sea areas around the island may be fairly rough.

The Department also warned that wave heights could rise to between 2.0 and 2.5 metres in the sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo.

It further cautioned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected in areas experiencing thundershowers and advised the fishing and maritime communities to remain vigilant.