Met Department predicts heavy rains in many areas
January 31, 2023Heavy rains have been predicted in the Northern, Eastern, North-Central and Uva provinces and in Matale and Hambantota districts today (Jan 31).
According to the latest forecast of the Metrology Department issued this morning, very heavy showers of about 150mm are likely at some places in the Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in the Polonnaruwa district while showers above 100mm are likely at some places in the North-Western and Northern provinces and Anuradhapura district.
The depression over the Southeast and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal, lay centered near latitude 8.1°N and longitude 85.3°E, about 455 km east-southeast of Trincomalee. It is likely to move west-northwestwards till today evening and then recurve gradually south-southwestwards and cross the Sri Lankan coast in the forenoon tomorrow (Feb 01), it says.
Strong winds of about 50-60 kmph may blow at times over the Eastern, Uva, Western, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Mullaitivu, Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts.
There’s possibility of increase in swell waves of about 2.5 – 3.0 m height in areas off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankasanthurai.
Sea areas around the island will be rough while temporary strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers, it says.
The Met. Department also advises people not to venture into fishing and naval activities in the sea areas around the Island.