The Department of Meteorology says the Depression over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, to the northeast of Sri Lanka, has intensified into a Deep Depression. 

Although this system will not have a direct impact on Sri Lanka, the prevailing rainy conditions in the southwestern part of the island are expected to continue due to the wind flow towards the system.

The Department has issued an advisory for heavy rains in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, effective until 07.00 am tomorrow (24). 

As such, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in the Galle and Matara Districts today (23), with heavy falls above 100 mm likely at some places.

Several spells of showers may occur in North-central province and Mannar district.

Strong winds of about 40-50 kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the Central hills, the North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Matale Districts.

The public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.