Low-pressure area may form over Bay of Bengal as heavy rain, landslide risks increase

The Department of Meteorology says a low-pressure area could develop over the south-eastern Bay of Bengal on Tuesday (13), bringing increased rainfall to Sri Lanka and surrounding sea areas over the next several days.

Showers or thundershowers are expected at times over most parts of the country.

Heavy rainfall of around 100-150 mm is possible at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern provinces, while falls exceeding 75 mm are likely at some locations elsewhere.

The Department urged the public to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. Misty conditions may also develop in parts of the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces during the early morning.

The National Building Research Organisation has meanwhile issued landslide warnings for several districts, valid until 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Level 2 amber alerts have been issued for Walasmulla and Katuwana in Hambantota District; Bulathkohupitiya, Mawanella and Ruwanwella in Kegalle District; Pasgoda, Athuraliya and Mulatiyana in Matara District; and Kolonna in Ratnapura District.

Level 1 yellow warnings have been issued for Ella and Passara in Badulla District; Padukka in Colombo District; Thumpane and Hatharaliyadda in Kandy District; Rambukkana, Dehiowita, Aranayake, Kegalle, Yatiyantota and Warakapola in Kegalle District; Ambanganga Korale, Matale and Rattota in Matale District; Hanguranketha in Nuwara Eliya District; and Kalawana, Ayagama, Weligepola, Eheliyagoda, Ratnapura, Imbulpe, Nivithigala and Kuruwita in Ratnapura District.

Disaster management authorities have urged people living in hilly areas in these locations to remain alert to the risk of landslides.

The Meteorology Department also warned fishing and naval communities to closely follow further weather forecasts and advisories as conditions at sea are expected to deteriorate.

Winds around the island are expected to blow from the north-east or vary in direction at speeds of around 20-30 km per hour.

Sea areas around the island are expected to be slight to moderately rough. During thundershowers, temporary strong winds of around 60-70 km per hour may occur, with seas becoming very rough for short periods.