Extreme downpours and rough seas today

Heavy rains will loom over in several parts of the island today, the Department of Meteorology said.

Showers or thunder showers can be expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces and at several places elsewhere over the island during the day or night. Several downpours are most likely in the Northern province.

Strong winds of about 40-45 KMPH can be anticipated at times over western and southern coastal areas and along the western slopes of the central hills.

In the meantime, the department stressed that in the sea areas, the low-pressure area in the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression today (May 09) that would make way for a cyclonic storm.

With this in view, a warning has been issued to the naval and fishing communities not to venture into deep shallow sea areas bound by 02N-15N and between 85N-100N until further notice.

The department further mentioned that showers or thunder showers will fall out in the sea areas around the island intermittently.

Winds will be westerly or south-westerly over the sea area around the island and would strike at 25-35 KMPH and may shoot up to 45-55 KMPH periodically in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times.

The other sea areas around the island will remain moderate although, temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.