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Heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas herald South West monsoon: Met Dept.
View(s):Heavy rains exceeding 150 mm could be expected in several districts including Colombo, Galle, Ratnapura, Kalutara and Kegalle in the next few days, the Meterological (Met) Dept warned.
The Dept issuing a weather advisory valid for the next few days, said that heavy rainfall could be expected in the southwestern parts of the country while strong southwesterly winds could be expected over the country.
Fishermen and coastal communities are advised to refrain from their offshore activities in deep and shallow seas especially from Mannar to Potuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota, due to the prevailing windy conditions, the Dept said.
Temporary, localised strong winds during showers may occur and the public is requested to take adequate precautions against lightning.
Moderate showers and thundershowers were reported from Sabaragamuwa Province and light showers from Western, Central, Northwestern and Eastern Provinces, and from Galle and Matara districts.
The highest rainfall of 130 mm was reported from the Delwala area in the Ratnapura district. Surface wind was southwesterly in direction at around 10-30 kmph.
The maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius was reported from Potuvil, while the minimum temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius was reported from Nuwara Eliya.
“The humid weather experienced during the past few weeks has ended, with the country in the throes of the southwest monsoon,” a weather specialist said.
Former Director of the Met Dept, K.R. Abhayasingha said rainfall increases rapidly in the southwest quarter regions such as Central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Puttalam, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle and Matara.
“Normally, during this time, northern and eastern provinces experience a hot climate. If the atmospheric temperature exceeds body temperature, people are advised to increase their intake of fluids, to offset higher humidity levels,” he said.
- (AS)