r Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

Met. Dept. warns on low pressure area over Bay of Bengal

November 22, 2020

The Meteorology Department’s weather report today (Nov 22) issuing its statement said a low pressure area has formed over southeast Bay of Bengal and it is expected to intensify further into a depression during next 24-48 hours.

It is likely to move west-north westwards towards Eastern and Northern coast of Sri Lanka on 24 November.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern, Northern, North central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.

Further showers or thundershowers will occur at a few places in the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kaluthara, Galle and Mathara districts after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly heavy showers above 75mm can be expected at some places in the above area.

Therefore, the general public is requested to take precautions to minimize damages caused by strong winds and lightning during thundershowers, the  report added.

Met. Department’s marine weather report stated that  intermittent showers/thundershowers, strong or very strong gusty winds and rough or very rough seas can be expected   in the sea areas between 05N-12N and 80E-90E during the next few days due to the Low Pressure Area .

Fishing and naval community are requested to be attentive regarding future forecasts issued in this regard.

Marine weather report also says showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Hambanthota via Batticaloa. A few showers may occur in the other sea areas around the island.

 The sea area around the island can be moderate. The sea areas extending from Colombo to   Kankasnthureyi via Mannar will be fairly rough at times and the sea areas extending from Kankasnthureyi to Hambanthota via Trincomalee and Batticaloa will  be rough at times. Winds will be north-easterly in the sea areas around the island.

The wind speed will be 30-40 kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 50 kmph at times

Temporarily strong gusty winds (up to 70-80 kmph) and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.