The depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal is very likely to move northwestwards today, the Department of Meteorology stated.

The department said that the depression will intensify into a cyclonic storm over the southeast Bay of Bengal and then into a severe cyclonic storm over the southeast and adjoining central Bay of Bengal in the next few days.

Naval and multi-day fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the sea areas bounded by 02N – 15N and between 85E – 100E until further notice.

The department further stated that showers or thundershowers will sometimes occur in the sea areas around the island.

Winds will be westerly or south-westerly over the sea area around the island and the speed will be 25-35 kmph.   

Wind speed may increase up to 45-55 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambanthota via Galle and Matara.

The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambanthota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be moderate.

Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.