Rain is expected to continue in the south-western parts of Sri Lanka until 27 October, the Department of Meteorology said, while a new weather system forming over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to become a cyclonic storm by 26 October.
The department said the new low-pressure area formed near the North Andaman Islands. It is expected to become a depression on 24 October and a deep depression on 25 October, moving west-northwestwards. By the morning of 26 October it is forecast to intensify into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
The system is not expected to affect Sri Lanka directly, the department said. Wind patterns linked to it are expected to bring more rain to the south-west of the island over the next few days.
For 24 October, showers or thundershowers are forecast at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and North Western provinces, and in the Galle and Matara districts. The public has been asked to take precautions against temporary strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. Misty conditions are expected in parts of the Central and Uva provinces in the early morning.
The rain has already disrupted travel. The Railways Department said train services between Rambukkana, Peradeniya and Gampola will be suspended on 24 and 25 October after a landslide near Kadigamuwa Railway Station. Superintendent of Railways (Traffic) G.D.A. Samarasinghe said the landslide, triggered by adverse weather, washed soil onto the line between Rambukkana and Peradeniya and created a safety risk for trains.
Emergency repair work is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Passengers who bought reserved seats for travel on those two days are entitled to a full refund, the department said.
Background
Forecasting Division Director Meril Mendis told a media briefing at the Department of Government Information on 22 October that the low-pressure area that had been near Sri Lanka was moving north-westwards and then westwards, away from the island. He said an Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of converging winds near the equator, was affecting the country and causing continuous rain in several areas.
Heavy showers of more than 100 millimetres have been recorded in some areas, Mendis said. He said rain was expected across the country throughout 23 October.
What it means
People living in the south-western and central parts of the island, including areas where soil is already saturated, should expect continued wet weather and heed official advice on strong winds and lightning. Rail passengers travelling through the hill country on the two repair days should plan alternative transport or seek refunds at railway stations.
Because the cyclonic storm is forecast to develop far from Sri Lanka, the department does not expect it to affect the island directly.
