Showery condition with gusty winds expected to continue

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The showery condition over the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces of the island, is expected to continue further accompanied by gusty winds, the Department of Meteorology forecast yesterday. “Fairly heavy rain falls about 100mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces and in Galle, Matara and Mannar districts. Several spells of showers may occur in the North-Central province as well,” it said.  

It added showers or thundershowers would occur at several places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 pm.  Due to the torrential rains that lashed for the last 24 hours, several incidents of trees falling were reported from certain areas, while water level of Attanagalu Oya is rising.   

Meanwhile, the department said the winds would be South-westerly in the sea areas around the island and the wind speed will be (30-40) km/h. While the wind speed could increase up to (60-70) km/h in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankesanturai via Mannar. Wind speed could increase up to (60-65) km/h in the sea areas extending from Hambantota to Pottuvil. The sea areas extending from Puttalam to Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil would be rough to very rough.   

In addition, there is a possibility that near shore sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, may experience the effect of swell waves, from 2.5 – 3.5m height.  

The department requested fishing and naval communities to be vigilant in this regard.  

According to the Disaster Management Centre, at least 11,389 people from 2,751 families in 12 districts have so far been affected due to the adverse weather conditions.   
The maximum rainfall of 150.8mm was reported from Colombo on Tuesday.