Red alert weather warning: Heavy monsoon rains and strong winds in several areas

The South West Monsoon is gradually establishing over the country, bringing in its wake heavy winds on the western slope of the island, prompting the Meteorological Department to put some areas under red and amber alerts.

The Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces would experience strong winds of about 50-60kmph while showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the Uva and Eastern provinces and in the Hambantota district during the afternoon or night, Meteorology Department Director General Athula Karunanayake said.

Strong winds could be expected at times also in the Southern province.

The prevailing windy condition is expected to enhance in the western and southern sea areas and in the southern half of the island. Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces and in the Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts.

The Met Chief warned fishermen that the speed of the monsoonal westerly winds from the sea areas extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota could increase up to 70kmph. The sea will be rough and there is a possibility of near-shore sea areas experiencing surges due to swell waves, the Met chief said.

He urged fishermen and others to avoid fishing and naval activities, especially in the seas extending along the coast from Colombo to Hambantota.

The windy condition is expected to strengthen but may not develop into a cyclonic condition, Mr. Karunanayake said. However, he said people should take precautions against possible landslides and falling trees.

According to the Met Department, the westerly winds are likely to create wet conditions across the island over the next few days, with heavy rains in some areas.

The adverse weather conditions have prompted the Met officials to put the Southern and Western regions, including the Gampaha, Colombo, and Kalutara districts on red alert while the Central part will remain on amber watch.

A red alert is an advisory prepared by the Met department to urge residents to take action against hazardous weather conditions, while an amber alert cautions citizens to “be prepared” against the same.