The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather bulletin warning of occasional showers today (19) across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts.
According to the latest advisory, some areas in the Sabaragamuwa Province, and the districts of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Galle, and Matara are likely to experience moderately heavy showers exceeding 75 mm.
Several spells of showers are also expected in the Northern and North-Western provinces.
In addition to rainfall, strong winds reaching speeds of 50–60 kmph are likely to occur intermittently in the western slopes of the Central Hills, and across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, and North-Central provinces. The public is advised to take necessary precautions to minimize potential damage caused by these winds.
Marine Weather Forecast (Next 24 Hours)
The Met Department also issued a marine weather forecast for the next 24 hours, warning of scattered showers in sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
Winds around the island’s coastal areas will blow from the west to southwest, with speeds ranging from 35 to 45 kmph.
However, in the sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota, wind speeds may increase to 60–70 kmph at times. Similarly, wind speeds may rise to 50–55 kmph in sea areas stretching from Puttalam to Mannar, Kankesanthurai, and from Trincomalee to Vakarai.
Sea conditions in the areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota are expected to be rough or very rough at times. As a result, the Department of Meteorology strongly advises fishing and maritime communities to refrain from venturing into these areas during the next 24 hours.
Additionally, sea areas from Puttalam to Mannar, Kankesanthurai, and Trincomalee to Vakarai may also become rough at times.
There is a possibility of sea wave heights ranging between 2.5 to 3.0 meters in the sea areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota. (Note: This is not the height of waves reaching the shore.)
The Department of Meteorology urges fishing and naval communities to remain vigilant and stay updated with further advisories.
