Bay of Bengal depression set to intensify into severe cyclonic storm; Heavy rain expected

Lankadeepa, Rupavahini News, Newsfirst (සිංහල), Newsfirst (தமிழ்) and Sri Lanka Mirror report that the depression over the east-central and adjoining southeastern Bay of Bengal has strengthened into a deep depression, citing the Department of Meteorology. Rupavahini News and Sri Lanka Mirror place its centre near 15.3° north and 89.7° east and say it is moving westward.

Rupavahini News reports that the system is expected to continue generally westward and may become a cyclone over the east-central and southeastern Bay of Bengal on October 26, then move west-northwest and possibly strengthen into a severe cyclone over the west-central Bay around October 27. Daily Mirror reports a warning for naval and fishing communities not to venture into deep-sea areas, citing the possibility of cyclone development by October 26.

Rupavahini News reports that the system is not expected to have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, but that winds drawn towards it are likely to increase rain, particularly in the island’s southwest, over the next several days. The outlet lists possible showers or thunderstorms in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Northwestern, Central and North Central provinces, as well as Trincomalee District; some locations could receive more than 100 mm.

Rupavahini News says afternoon showers may also occur in Uva Province and Ampara and Batticaloa districts. It reports that intermittent winds of around 40–50 km/h are possible on the western slopes of the Central Highlands, in the Northern, North Central and Northwestern provinces, and in Trincomalee and Hambantota districts. The Department of Meteorology, as reported by Rupavahini News, urged the public to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thunderstorms.

Newswire reports an amber heavy-rain advisory covering six provinces. Newsfirst (සිංහල) reports that rain could increase further over the next few days and that landslide warnings were issued for five districts, but its report excerpt does not identify those districts.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.