Showers, locally heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely across parts of Sri Lanka on Thursday, while rough seas and swell waves are expected in several coastal areas, the Department of Meteorology said.
Showers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. Rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters is likely in some locations.
Showers or thundershowers may develop at a few places in the Ampara, Monaragala, Hambantota and Batticaloa districts after 2 p.m. Mainly dry conditions are expected elsewhere.
Winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces and the Trincomalee, Monaragala, Hambantota and Matale districts.
The public has been advised to take precautions against damage from temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Showers may occur at several places in sea areas off the coast from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle.
Southwesterly winds of 30 to 40 kph are forecast over surrounding sea areas. Wind speeds could increase to 50 to 60 kph at times in waters from Kankesanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil.
Winds could also reach 50 kph at times in sea areas from Kankesanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu.
Seas from Kankesanthurai to Puttalam via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil will be rough at times. Waters from Kankesanthurai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu may become fairly rough.
Wave heights could increase to about 2 to 3 meters in sea areas from Colombo to Pottuvil via Galle and Matara. Nearshore areas from Beruwala to Matara via Galle could also experience surges caused by swell waves.
Naval and fishing communities operating in the affected waters, as well as coastal communities in the specified nearshore areas, have been advised to remain vigilant. (Newswire)