Wet weather to fade out after May 15

The prevailing adverse wet weather condition will fade out after May 15, the Department of Meteorology announces.

The cyclonic storm “Mocha” over East-Central Bay of Bengal has brewed into an extremely severe cyclonic storm that centers near 15.4 North and 89.1 East and has the high probability to make its way toward Northeast and cross Southeast Bangladesh and North Myanmar coasts around today noon.

“Impact of this system on Sri Lanka is unexciting. In fact, the Department of Meteorology has already foreseen low level of atmospheric disturbance is possible and showers above 75mm would break out in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces plus, in Galle and Matara districts,” Director (Forecasting) of Meteorology Department Dr. Shiromani Jayawardena said.

The depression’s presence in the bay will further trigger blustery winds and stormy sea conditions. The naval and fishing communities were sent word not to venture into the deep and shallow sea areas.

“Since this is an evolving situation, the intensity movement and track of this system would vary dramatically. This event will fade away eventually after May 15 and rains will taper out in aforesaid places. With this in view we are very likely to experience a delay in monsoon rains,” Dr. Jayawardena added.

However, the officials of the department have alerted the public and marine communities to keep an eye on warnings issued by them.

Meanwhile, the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has warned that landslides may occur in several areas in Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kegalle, Matara and Ratnapura districts.

In view of the fact that the rainfall within the past 24 hours has crossed 75mm, people living in aforesaid areas have been requested to be on alert about the possibility of landslides, slope failures, rock and earth mound falls and land subsidence and are further urged to be ready to vacate to a secure location if case of necessity.