The Department of Meteorology has warned naval and fishing communities to avoid specified sea areas due to a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify into a deep depression within the next 12 hours.
The depression is currently located about 1,000 kilometres northeast of Sri Lanka, and its influence is expected to bring increasingly strong winds and rainy conditions over the Bay of Bengal.
Accordingly, naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into sea areas between 5°N and 22°N latitude and 85°E and 100°E longitude until further notice. Those already operating in the affected areas have been advised to move away from the region and remain vigilant.
The Department of Meteorology has also urged naval and fishing communities to closely monitor future weather forecasts and advisories issued by the Department.
Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers are expected at times in sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Puttalam, Colombo and Galle. Showers or thundershowers may also occur in several other sea areas during the evening or night.
Southwesterly winds are expected at speeds of 30–40 kmph. Wind speeds could temporarily increase to 50–60 kmph in sea areas extending from Trincomalee to Chilaw via Kankasanthurai and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
These sea areas are expected to become rough at times. Wave heights could increase to around 2.0–2.5 metres in the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Matara.
The Department further warned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas could occur during thundershowers.