Heavy rains over 150mm expected: Met. Dept.

Heavy rains of up to 150mm forecast today in the Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces, as well as the Polonnaruwa district, due to a depression over the Southeast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal, the Meteorology Department said.

While issuing a weather forecast for today, they said the depression over the South-East about 455km east-southeast of Trincomalee. 

The depression which is centered is likely to move west-northwestwards until evening today, then recurve gradually south-southwestwards and cross Sri Lanka's coast in the forenoon tomorrow (February 1).

Thundershowers in the Northern, Eastern, North-Central, and Uva provinces and in Matale and Hambantota districts are expected. However, there could be sporadic showers in some areas throughout the afternoon or night.

Showers above 100mm are likely in North-Western and Northern provinces and Anuradhapura district.

Strong winds of about 50 to 60 km/h could blow over the Eastern, Uva, Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Mullaitivu, Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts.

The public are strongly advised to take adequate precautionary measures to safeguard themselves from possible damages caused by strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Rough seas could also be expected in the seas in the above areas.

Therefore, fishing and naval communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas around the island until February 2.

Wind speeds will range from 40 to 50 km/h, with gusts reaching 70 km/h in the sea areas of the Southeast and South-West Bays of Bengal. (