Wind speeds of up to 50 kmph are expected in several sea areas around Sri Lanka, with the Department of Meteorology warning of temporarily strong gusty winds and rough seas during the next 24 hours.

In its forecast issued at 2:00 p.m. today (27), the Met. Department said south-westerly winds would prevail, with speeds of 30–40 kmph. Wind speeds could occasionally increase to 50 kmph in the sea areas extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

The sea areas from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota are expected to be fairly rough at times, while wave heights could reach around 2.0–2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota, the Met. Department noted.

Showers are expected at several places in the sea areas off the coast from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may also occur in the sea areas from Mullaitivu to Pottuvil via Trincomalee and Batticaloa during the evening or night.

The Met. Department also warned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas could occur during thundershowers.

Meanwhile, several spells of showers are expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts tomorrow. Showers or thundershowers may occur in several areas of the Uva and Eastern provinces and in the Polonnaruwa and Mullaitivu districts after 2:00 p.m.

The general public has been advised to take adequate precautions to minimise possible damage caused by localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.