Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology has warned of rough seas and strong winds affecting multiple coastal regions, urging naval, fishing, and coastal communities to exercise caution.
The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory alerting Naval and fishing communities to hazardous sea conditions expected around the island. The warning encompasses multiple coastal zones and comes as weather patterns bring westerly to south-westerly winds to Sri Lankan waters.
Wind speeds are expected to range between 30-40 kilometers per hour across most sea areas, with more severe gusts anticipated in certain regions. The department forecasts wind speeds potentially reaching 50-60 kmph in sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw via Mannar and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota. Other sea areas surrounding the island may experience wind speeds increasing to 45-50 kmph at times.
Rough sea conditions are anticipated particularly off the coasts from Kankasanthurai to Chilaw and from Matara to Pottuvil, while other surrounding areas may experience fairly rough conditions. Wave heights are predicted to increase to approximately 2.5 to 3.0 meters in sea areas from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Galle and Matara. Near-shore areas between Beruwala and Matara via Galle face additional risk from swell-driven surges. The advisory also notes that scattered showers may occur in sea areas off the southwestern coast from Chilaw to Matara via Colombo and Galle.
The Department of Meteorology has advised all Naval and fishing personnel operating in the affected areas, as well as coastal residents in nearshore zones, to remain alert and take appropriate precautions.
