Strong winds and rough seas forecast around Sri Lanka during next 24 hours

Colombo, July 1 (Daily Mirror) - The Meteorology Department has forecast strong winds and rough sea conditions in several sea areas around Sri Lanka during the next 24 hours.

They said showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

The department said south-westerly winds will prevail, with wind speeds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph. However, wind speeds are expected to increase up to 50-60 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

In other sea areas around the island, wind speeds may increase up to 50 kmph at times.

Sea conditions are expected to be rough at times in the waters extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota, while other sea areas around the island may experience fairly rough conditions.

The wave height is also expected to increase to between 2.0 and 2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.

The Department further warned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.