The Meteorological Department said today heavy showers and earth slips could be expected in the country when the South-West monsoon breaks out next week.

Met Department Director S.H. Kariyawasam told a news conference the impact of the monsoon would be greater this year according to what meteorology experts in the region had said.

He warned of cyclones because of atmospheric depressions over the Bay of Bengal.

Mr. Kariyawasam said the strong winds which would blow across the country from the Arabian Sea and Madagascar would contain a large amount of moisture because of the passage over the sea.

He said heavy rains could be expected during the first week of the monsoon while the weather may ease off during the latter stages.
The South-West Monsoon is expected to last till September or October. (YP)