Showers, strong winds and rough seas forecast around the island; Fisherfolk urged to remain vigilant

Colombo, May 29 (Daily Mirror) - The Meteorology Department today issued a marine weather advisory warning of showers, thundershowers, and rough sea conditions around several coastal areas of the island, urging naval and fishing communities to exercise extreme caution.

According to the latest forecast, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. A few other sea areas around the island could also experience isolated showers or thundershowers.

Winds over the island’s surrounding seas will be south-westerly, with wind speeds ranging between 40-50 kmph. However, gusts may reach 60-70 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

In other sea areas, winds are forecasted to blow at 30-40 kmph, possibly increasing to 50-60 kmph at times, particularly from Chilaw to Galle via Colombo and from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu.

Sea conditions are expected to be very rough at times in the sea areas off Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Fisherfolk and naval personnel have been strongly advised not to venture into these sea areas until further notice.

Additionally, the Department noted that the sea areas off Chilaw to Galle via Colombo, and Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaittivu, will also be rough at times. Wave heights in the sea areas from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota could increase to about 2.5 to 3.0 metres.

There is also a likelihood of coastal surges due to swell waves in the near shore areas from Mannar to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers, and the public, particularly those in the fishing and naval communities, are urged to remain on alert.