Bay of Bengal deep depression to intensify; heavy rain expected

The depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to develop into a severe cyclonic storm by October 27, the Meteorology Department said.

The system was centred near latitude 15.1°N and longitude 91.0°E at 11.30 a.m. yesterday, over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal.

It is expected to move southwestwards before gradually recurving west-northwestwards. The system is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 27, the department said.

Although the system is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, rainfall is likely to increase over the southwestern parts of the country during the next few days as its associated wind flow extends across the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North Western and Central provinces and in the Anuradhapura District. Some areas could receive heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm.

Showers or thundershowers are also expected at several places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1 p.m.

Strong winds of around 40-50 kmph are likely at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces, and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The public has been advised to take precautions against possible damage from temporary, localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.