Heavy rains over most parts of the island today

There is a high probability of heavy rainfall over most parts of the island after 1.00 pm today, the Department of Meteorology said. 

Hence, showers will occur in the Western and Northwestern provinces and in the Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Galle and Matara districts in the morning. 

Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm are probable at some places in the Eastern, Uva, North-Central and North-western provinces and fairly heavy showers about 50 mm are possible occasionally elsewhere. 

Strong winds of about 40-50 kmph can be expected periodically over Western and Southern coastal areas. 

General public has been given notice to take adequate preventative measures to ensure safety of themselves from damages within reach triggered by strong gusts and lightning during thunder showers.

In the meantime, a low-level disturbance is likely to advance over the Southeast Bay of Bengal from Saturday, May 06, onwards. 

The naval and fishing communities were sent word not to venture into deep and shallow sea areas and to be attentive to future forecasts sent out by the Department of Meteorology with this in view. 

The department further stressed that showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas around the island.

Winds will be south-westerly over the sea area around the island and would strike at 20-30 kmph. 

Wind speed may shoot up to 40-45 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Beruwala to Hambantota via Galle and Matara.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Beruwala to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate. 

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thunder showers although; temporary strong gusts of wind and very turbulent waters are likely to occur during thunder showers transiently.