The low-pressure area that was located near Sri Lanka is moving westwards, away from the island, according to the Department of Meteorology.

However, it said that a new low-pressure area has formed over the Bay of Bengal near the North Andaman Islands. The system is most likely to persist in the same region and intensify into a depression by October 24, 2026.

Thereafter, it is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression by October 25, followed by a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26, the Met. Department said.

Although the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, an increase in rainfall is expected over the southwestern parts of the island during the next few days, as the wind flow associated with the system extends across the country, it said.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North Western provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts with fairly heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm likely at some locations in these areas.

The general public is advised to take adequate precautions to minimise damage caused by temporary, localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Misty conditions can be expected at some locations in the Central and Uva provinces during the early hours of the morning, the department added.