A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, located to the southeast of Sri Lanka, intensified into a deep depression this morning (8).

According to the Director of Forecasting at the Department of Meteorology, Meril Mendis, the system is currently about 300 kilometres southeast of Pottuvil and is expected to approach the eastern coast within the next few hours.

Due to the influence of the system, cloudy conditions are prevailing across much of the island. Intermittent showers are expected in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Central and Uva Provinces, as well as in the Hambantota District.

Strong winds of 50–60 kilometres per hour are likely across the island, while heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres may occur at some locations in the Eastern, Central and Uva Provinces.

The Department of Meteorology has advised naval and fishing communities to refrain from activities in sea areas around the island until further notice.