Bay of Bengal Depression Intensifies: Heavy Rainfall Exceeding 100mm Expected in Several Parts of Sri Lanka

The depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm today (October 26), according to the Department of Meteorology.

The weather system, currently positioned near latitude 15.3°N and longitude 89.7°E, is moving westwards and is forecast to strengthen further into a cyclonic storm during the day.

The Department of Meteorology predicts that the system will subsequently move west-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by tomorrow (October 27).

Although the developing storm is not expected to directly affect Sri Lanka, its associated wind circulation is likely to bring increased rainfall to the southwestern parts of the island over the next few days.

Heavy rainfall exceeding 100mm is expected in several areas, particularly in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-Western, Central and North-Central provinces, as well as the Trincomalee District.

Showers or thundershowers are expected at intervals across these regions.

Meanwhile, the Uva Province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts may experience showers or thundershowers at several locations after 1.00 p.m.

Strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h are also expected at times along the western slopes of the central hills, in the Northern, North-Central and North-Western provinces, and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

The Department of Meteorology has urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against lightning strikes, temporary strong winds and other weather-related hazards during thundershowers.