Met Department warns of weather pattern changes within next 24 hours

Colombo, December 15 (Daily Mirror) - Due to formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal, the Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for the land and also the sea areas surrounding the island, valid for the next 24 hours.

The low-pressure area is expected to intensify further and move west-northwestwards towards the Tamil Nadu coast, passing close to the northern part of Sri Lanka in the subsequent two days.

As a result, heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely in the Northern, Eastern, North-Central, and Uva Provinces, as well as in the Matale district.

The deep and shallow sea areas off the coast, extending from Kankesanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee and Batticaloa, are expected to be rough at times, with wind speeds reaching up to 60 km/h. Very heavy showers or thunderstorms are also likely in some areas of these sea zones.

Meanwhile, the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankesanthurai to Galle via Puttalam and Colombo are anticipated to be fairly rough at times, with wind speeds increasing up to 50 km/h.

Naval and fishing communities operating in the Bay of Bengal are advised to stay alert to future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology.

The public, particularly those living in the Eastern and Northern Provinces are also urged to remain attentive to future forecasts and advisories issued by the Department.