Low-pressure area likely to intensify into depression during next 12 hours

The low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka is likely to intensify into a depression during the next 12 hours, the Department of Meteorology has stated.

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards, towards the east coast of Sri Lanka, the Met. Department added.

Accordingly, showery conditions over the island particularly in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces are expected to enhance from tomorrow (08).

Meanwhile, showers have been predicted in the Uva province and in the Batticaloa, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Matale and Hambantota districts. Fairly Heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in these areas.

Several spells of showers will also occur in the Northern province and in the Anuradhapura and Trincomalee districts. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere in the Island after 1.00 p.m.

Furthermore, strong winds of about 50 kmph can be expected at times over the eastern slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in the Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Monaragala districts.

The general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.