Depression in Bay of Bengal

Disna MUDALIGE

The Meteorology Department forecasts strong winds, rainy weather together rough seas in the eastern, northeastern, north central and northern parts of the island in the next few days due to a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal.

Addressing a press conference at the Department Director General S H Kariyawasam yesterday said the depression has been located about 600km East of the Northern coast of the sea.

He said the depression can be developed into a deep depression by today afternoon. He said the Department is closely monitoring whether it can further develop into a cyclonic condition. He said a cyclonic condition usually occurs if the speed of winds exceeds 34 nautical miles per hour.

He said the position of the depression is moving towards Northwestern and Western directions. He said strong winds and showery weather can be experienced by other parts of the country too, if it moves closer to the island by today. The Director General also noted the period from October end to December could be considered as a cyclonic season in the region in which low pressure areas, cyclonic conditions and depressions can be formed. He predicted a change of seasonal weather pattern over the country due to these changes.

He requested fishermen to be vigilant about the strong winds, showery weather and rough seas in the eastern, northeastern and northern sea areas when going fishing.