Red alert for Sri Lanka: Low pressure area
A low pressure area has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and become a low pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal tomorrow (25).
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert stating that this area may intensify and move towards the northern coast of Sri Lanka. As a result, most parts of the country will be cloudy, and showers or thundershowers are expected in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Central and Uva provinces.
During the evening and night, showers or thundershowers are likely at many places in other parts of the country. Heavy rainfall exceeding 150 mm is likely in the Eastern, Uva and Hambantota districts, and rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely in the North-Central province.
Strong winds of 30-40 kmph are likely to blow in the Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces, including the Hambantota district. During thunderstorms, the public should take precautionary measures to reduce the effects of temporary lightning strikes and strong winds.
In addition, winds in the sea areas will blow in a northeasterly direction at a speed of 30-40 kmph. Wind speeds may increase to 60-70 kmph in the sea areas off Mannar, Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Pottuvil.
As a result, the sea will also be rough, and therefore the Navy and fishing communities have been warned not to venture into the above sea areas from today (24).