Sri Lanka’s MET Issues Warning for Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Rough Seas

The Department of Meteorology in Sri Lanka has issued a warning for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas in the southwest Bay of Bengal. As of October 16-17, a depression was centered over the region near latitude 13.4°N and longitude 80.8°E. This depression is expected to move west-northwest and make landfall along the northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh coasts on the morning of October 17.

The affected sea areas are forecast to experience strong winds of 60-70 km/h, heavy rainfall, and very rough seas, particularly between latitudes 07N and 16N, and longitudes 80E and 85E. The Department has advised naval and fishing communities to avoid venturing into these areas until the evening of October 17. Additionally, the swell waves, reaching heights of 2.5 to 3 meters, may impact sea areas off the coast from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. These coastal areas may also experience surges caused by the swell waves.

International weather forecasters have confirmed the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, with landfall near Chennai, India, expected early Thursday. Southern regions of India are also likely to experience heavy rainfall through Friday. Furthermore, weather models are monitoring the development of a weak low-pressure system in the Arabian Sea this weekend, as well as another potential system in the Bay of Bengal early next week, indicating continued activity in the region.

Naval and fishing communities are urged to stay vigilant and follow further updates from the Department of Meteorology.