Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara districts, according to the latest weather forecast.
Cloudy skies are expected to prevail over these areas, with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm likely at some locations in the Sabaragamuwa Province and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts. Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers may develop in several places across the Uva and Eastern provinces and the Mullaittivu District after 2.00 p.m.
Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are expected at times over the North Central, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and North-Western provinces. The public has been urged to take precautions against localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.
Rough seas; fishermen advised not to venture out
Showers or thundershowers are also forecast in several sea areas off the coast from Puttalam to Trincomalee via Colombo, Galle, Hambantota and Batticaloa.
Winds will be westerly to south-westerly at 30–40 kmph, increasing to 60–70 kmph at times in the sea areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota. Winds may also reach up to 50 kmph in the sea areas from Batticaloa to Mullaittivu via Trincomalee.
The sea areas from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota will be rough to very rough at times, and naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into these waters until further notice.
Sea areas from Batticaloa to Mullaittivu via Trincomalee will also be rough at times, with temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas expected during thundershowers.
Eight dead, thousands affected by severe weather
According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), eight people have died and three others have been injured in weather-related incidents reported up to 6.00 a.m. today.
A total of 11,832 people from 3,014 families across nine districts have been affected by the adverse weather, while 3,538 people from 952 families have been relocated to 51 safety shelters.
The DMC further reported that 290 houses have sustained partial damage, while one house has been completely destroyed due to the prevailing severe weather conditions.
