Heavy Rain Forecast Upto 100mm as Low-Pressure Area Intensifies

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Department of Meteorology has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres at some locations in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North Western Provinces today.

Showers or thundershowers are expected at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North Western Provinces, as well as in the Mannar District.

Rain or thundershowers may occur in other parts of the island after 1 p.m.

The atmospheric disturbance that had been prevailing in the lower atmosphere near Sri Lanka has developed into a low-pressure area.

Under its influence, rainfall is expected to increase across the island and in the deep and shallow sea areas around Sri Lanka today and tomorrow.

Speaking to Newsfirst, Meteorologist Imantha Randika warned people in these areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent possible hazards due to lightening and thundershowers. 

Meanwhile, landslide early warnings have been issued for seven districts.

Several Divisional Secretariat divisions in Badulla, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Kandy, Monaragala, Kurunegala and Nuwara Eliya are among the areas covered by the warnings.

The Department of Irrigation says 18 reservoirs are currently spilling.

Director of the Department's Hydrology and Disaster Management Division, Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara, said the Deduru Oya and Rajanganaya reservoirs are among them.

Sooriyabandara said water levels in rivers and reservoirs in the Wet Zone remain at caution levels. He warned residents living in downstream areas and those who obtain water from these rivers and reservoirs to remain vigilant, as water levels could rise unexpectedly.