A depression over the Bay of Bengal is predicted to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday morning (27), bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms to several parts of Sri Lanka over the next few days, the Department of Meteorology stated.

According to the latest weather update, the system was centred near latitude 15.5°N and longitude 91.0°E at 11.30 p.m. yesterday (24), in the vicinity of the North Andaman Islands.

The system is expected to strengthen into a deep depression while moving over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal today (25). It is then likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow morning (26), before intensifying further into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by October 27, the Met. Department noted.

Although the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, its associated wind flow is forecast to increase rainfall across the island, particularly in the southwestern regions.

Accordingly, showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Northwestern and Northern provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Anuradhapura districts today. Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is possible at some locations in these areas, the Met. Department added.

Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at several places in the Uva Province and the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds reaching 40–50 kilometres per hour are also possible at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North Central and Northwestern provinces and the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale districts.

The general public has been urged to take adequate precautions against temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms.

Authorities and residents have also been advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions and follow official weather advisories as the system continues to develop over the Bay of Bengal.