Deep Depression Likely to Affect Sri Lanka, Heavy Rains Forecast – Meteorology Department
The prevailing weather system in the southwest Bay of Bengal may intensify into a deep depression, according to Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake.
He made this observation during a special media briefing held at the Government Information Department today (08).
He said the system may enter the island from the eastern coast between the Hambantota and Kalmunai areas tomorrow (09) between 5.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m., bringing heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm. Strong winds of 70–80 kmph and rough sea conditions are expected, particularly in the Eastern Province, while 50–75 mm of rain may occur in other parts of the country.
Mr. Karunanayake emphasized that the system is not expected to develop into a cyclone. If it enters as a deep depression, heavy rains are likely in the Eastern, Northern and North Central Provinces. He added that the system is expected to weaken by January 10, with rainfall decreasing and the weather system moving away from the island by January 11.
