COLOMBO – The Department of Meteorology has issued an urgent weather advisory as a low-pressure area currently situated over the Andaman Sea and the adjoining Bay of Bengal, northeast of Sri Lanka, shows signs of significant intensification. According to the latest forecast, the system is expected to strengthen into a depression within the next 24 hours, posing a potential threat to maritime and coastal regions.
Meteorologists report that the atmospheric disturbance is currently tracking in a westward direction. As the system gathers strength, it is anticipated to move closer to the island’s northern and eastern sea areas. The department warned that the intensification of the low-pressure area will lead to an increase in wind speeds and turbulence across the coastal waters, significantly impacting fishing and naval activities in the coming days.
“We are monitoring the trajectory of this system closely,” said a senior duty forecaster at the Department of Meteorology. “As it transitions into a depression, we expect the surrounding sea areas to become very rough. Wind speeds are likely to increase significantly, and heavy rainfall is expected in several provinces as the outer bands of the system reach the island.”
In light of these developments, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has issued a stern warning to the fishing community. All multi-day boat operators and fishermen currently at sea in the affected regions have been advised to return to safer harbors or refrain from venturing into the deep and shallow sea areas off the coasts of the Northern, Eastern, and North-Central provinces. The Met Department emphasized that sea conditions could deteriorate rapidly, making navigation hazardous for small craft.
Beyond the maritime risks, the shifting weather system is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms across the island. The department has alerted residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, to remain vigilant for flash flooding as heavy downpours are predicted, especially in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country. Gusty winds, typical of such atmospheric developments, may also cause structural damage or falling trees in vulnerable districts.
The government’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) is currently on standby, coordinating with regional authorities to ensure that emergency response teams are prepared for any potential impact. Officials are urging the public to stay tuned to radio and television broadcasts for the latest updates and to adhere to instructions provided by local authorities.
“This is a developing situation,” the Met Department spokesperson added. “We are analyzing the system’s movement every few hours. Residents should not rely on unverified social media reports and should prioritize official communiqués issued by the Department of Meteorology.”
Further updates on the depression’s path and its expected intensity will be provided in the coming 24 hours as the system progresses.
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