New atmospheric...

The DMC, which referred to a warning issued by the Department of Meteorology, said that the atmosphere would remain cloudy with rains expected in several places including the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Central, Western and Eastern provinces. Heavy rain above 100mm would be experienced in the Southern parts of the country during the next 18 hours while most parts of the island would also experience showers or thunder-showers due to this atmospheric disturbance.

Showers were also expected in the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Southern and Uva provinces. Strong winds could also accompany the heavy showers expected in the country.

The increase of wind speeds up to 70-80kmph in the deep sea areas of the South and South-east of the country would make fishing dangerous in these areas. Therefore, naval and fishing communities were requested to remain vigilant.

The Meteorology Department had also requested the public to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightening activity. Meanwhile, three spill gates of the Upper Kotmale Dam had been opened yesterday due to the heavy rainfalls received over the last week to the catchment areas of the reservoir. The Meteorology Department said more rain was expected in the coming days as the North-east Monsoon had already established itself over the country.