The depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and was centred near latitude 15.1°N and longitude 91.0°E at 11:30 a.m. today (25 October), according to the Department of Meteorology.

The system, located over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, is expected to continue moving southwestwards before gradually recurving west-northwestwards. It is very likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm by the morning of 26 October and into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of 27 October, it said.

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

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North Western and Central provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura District. 

Heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some locations in these areas, the Department said.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 1:00 p.m.

Strong winds of around 40–50 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the Central Hills, the Northern, North Central and North Western provinces, and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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