Weather Alert : Advisory issued for naval & fishing communities

January 31, 2023 at 9:16 AM

The Department of Meteorology says the depression over the Southeast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal, lies about 455 km east-southeast of Trincomalee. 

It is likely to move west-northwestwards till this evening and then recurve gradually south-southwestwards and cross the Sri Lanka coast in the forenoon tomorrow.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Eastern, North-Central and Uva provinces and in the Matale and Hambantota districts. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the afternoon or night. 

Very heavy showers of about 150mm are likely at some places in the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in the Polonnaruwa district. Heavy showers above 100mm are likely at some places in the North-Western and Northern provinces and the Anuradhapura district. 

Strong winds of about 50-60 kmph can be expected at times over the Eastern, Uva, Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Mullaitivu, Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts. 

Meanwhile, the Met Department has advised not to venture into fishing and naval activities in the sea areas around the Island. 

Wind speeds will be 40-50 kmph and can increase up to 60-70 kmph in sea areas in the Southeast Bay of Bengal and South-West Bay of Bengal.

Heavy showers or thundershowers and very rough or rough seas can also be expected in above-sea areas. Showers or thundershowers will also occur at times in the sea areas around the Island. 

There’s a possibility of swell waves of about 2.5 – 3.0 m in height off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankasanthurai. Sea areas around the Island will be rough and very rough at times. 

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. 

Therefore, naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the above-mentioned sea area till Thursday (02). (NewsWire)