The low-pressure area currently located near Sri Lanka has moved towards the northwest and is gradually travelling westwards, bringing rain to several parts of the island throughout the day, the Department of Meteorology said.

The Director of the Forecasting Division of the Department of Meteorology, Meril Mendis made these remarks while addressing a special media briefing on the prevailing weather conditions held at the Department of Government Information today (22). 

He said an Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) was currently affecting the island, resulting in continuous rainfall in several areas.

Heavy showers exceeding 100 mm have been recorded in some areas, while rain is expected to continue throughout the day across the island tomorrow (23), he added.

Mendis further stated that a low-pressure area could develop near the Andaman Islands by October 23 due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The system could subsequently intensify into a depression.

Although the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, the prevailing wind flow across the island is likely to cause rainy conditions in the southwestern parts of the country to continue until October 27, he noted.

Meanwhile, the low-pressure system currently prevailing over the deep sea areas of the Bay of Bengal could also develop into a depression.

In view of this possibility, Mendis urged those engaged in fishing activities in the deep sea areas of the Bay of Bengal, particularly operators of multi-day fishing vessels, to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in the coming days.