Low-Pressure System in Bay of Bengal Expected to Develop Further

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Department of Meteorology says heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres could occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western Provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.

Director of the Forecasting Division at the MET Department, Merril Mendis stated that the low-pressure area developing in the Bay of Bengal, near the Andaman Islands, is expected to intensify further, although it is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka. 

However, the wind flow associated with the system is passing across the island, which is likely to result in increased rainfall, particularly in the southwestern areas, over the coming days.

He said the system could develop into a depression and subsequently a deep depression as it gradually moves towards the Indian coast.

Mendis added that cloudy conditions and intermittent showers are expected today across the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western Provinces, as well as in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Matara. Some areas, particularly those near mountain slopes, could receive rainfall of around 100 millimetres.

He further noted that several spells of rain are possible in Mannar and the North Central Province, while thundershowers could occur in parts of Uva, Batticaloa and Ampara during the evening.

Merril Mendis also urged residents in low-lying areas near river valleys and landslide-prone locations to remain vigilant, as the prevailing rainy conditions are expected to continue until around September 25.