EXTREME WEATHER: Low pressure area in South-west Bay of Bengal

Colombo (News 1st): A low-pressure area is developing over the south-west Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka. According to the Met department, it is likely to intensify into a depression and likely to move northwestwards. The general public, Naval and fishing communities are requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard. Showers or thundershowers will occur in Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Uva and Western provinces after 2.00 p.m. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity. There is a possibility that the sea will be rough near the shore areas. Seas along the coast extending from Beruwala to Tangalle via Galle and Matara may experience surges due to the effect of swell waves, having 2.5-3.0 m height. Naval and fishing communities are requested to be vigilant in this regards. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Trincomalee via Hambantota and Batticaloa and Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island in the evening or night. Winds will be North-easterly in the sea area extending from Kankasanturai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Batticaloa and winds will be South-westerly to Westerly in the direction in the other sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be 15-30 kmph in the sea areas around the island.