South-west monsoon intensifies; met. Dept. forecasts heavy showers above 150 mm

While issuing a general weather forecast for the next 36 hours, the Meteorology Department forecast heavy showers above 150 mm could be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces.

It said the South-west monsoonal condition is gradually intensifying over the island.

Therefore, Showers or thundershowers would occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces.

Wind speed could hit 50 to 60 km/h occasionally over the island and could go up to 70 km/h at times in the Western slope of the Central hills, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Vavuniya, Mullaithivu, Mannar, Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The Department cautions the public to take adequate protective measures to minimize the damages caused gutsy winds and lightning during thundershowers. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)