The Sri Lanka Meteorology Department has issued a weather advisory, warning of heavy rain, strong winds, and rough sea conditions across the island and surrounding seas. A low-pressure area is expected to form over the East-Central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining North Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours. The system is forecast to move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a depression by 22nd October 2024, and subsequently developing into a cyclonic storm over the East-Central Bay of Bengal by 23rd October.
Strong winds reaching speeds of 70-80 kmph, along with heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions, are expected over the aforementioned sea areas. The advisory specifically cautions multi-day fishing boats operating in the East-Central Bay of Bengal to take necessary precautions.
On land, showers or thundershowers will occur across several provinces, including Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, Northern, and Trincomalee. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm is likely in some areas of the Southern Province, while fairly heavy showers above 50mm are expected in other parts of the island during the evening or night.
Authorities urge the public and those at sea to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions in light of the potential adverse weather conditions.