Heavy rains, strong winds expected today too

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

The Department of Meteorology has called upon the public to take precautions to minimise the damages caused by lightning as showers or thundershowers are expected today too. Fairly heavy rains and strong winds are expected in certain parts of the country due to the South Western monsoon.

Showers or thundershowers will occur from time to time throughout the day in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern Provinces. According to the prevailing weather patterns, thundershowers are likely to develop at a few places in the Eastern and Uva Provinces during the afternoon or evening. Showers may extend to Puttalam, Kurunegala and Matale districts, according to the forecast.

Seas off the coast of Puttalam, Jaffna towards Trincomalee and from Galle, Hambantota towards Pottuvil will be rough. Wind speed will be around 20 - 40 kilometres per hour and may increase up to 50 - 60 kilometres per hour in sea areas. Showers can be expected in other coastal areas around the island.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) requests the public to be on the alert for possible landslides and falling rocks in several parts of the country. This includes areas in Kegalle, Ratnapura, Galle, Kalutara and Matara districts.

If the weather continues to prevail in the country, risk areas can experience land subsidence and cut slope failures, according to the NBRO.