Severe cyclonic storm forecast over Bay of Bengal as Sri Lanka braces for heavy rain

A low-pressure area near the North Andaman Islands has intensified into a depression and is forecast to develop rapidly into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, the Department of Meteorology said.

Although the system is not expected to make a direct impact on Sri Lanka, its associated wind circulation is likely to increase rainfall and strengthen winds across several parts of the country.

The system is moving west-northwestwards and is expected to intensify into a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal. It is forecast to develop into a cyclonic storm on Monday before strengthening into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Tuesday morning.

The department said the system's extended wind circulation would enhance rainfall, particularly over the south-western parts of Sri Lanka.

Showers or thundershowers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western and Northern provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Anuradhapura districts.

Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some places in these areas.

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

Fairly strong winds of between 40 and 50 km/h are expected over the western slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces and the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.

The Department of Meteorology and disaster management authorities have urged the public to take precautions against temporary strong winds and severe lightning during thundershowers.