Colombo, October 25 (Daily Mirror)- The Meteorology Department has forecast heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm in several areas across the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North Western and Central provinces, as well as the Anuradhapura District.
According to the Department, the depression over the Bay of Bengal is very likely to intensify into a deep depression today (October 25) as it moves across the east-central and adjoining southeastern Bay of Bengal.
The system is expected to continue moving southwards before gradually changing direction towards the west-northwest. It is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27.
Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, the Department said increased rainfall is likely over the southwestern parts of the island during the next few days due to associated wind patterns extending across the country.
Showers or thundershowers are also expected at several locations in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.
Meanwhile, strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph may occur at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces, as well as in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.
The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimize potential damage from temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.