The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather forecast indicating that showers are likely at several locations in the sea areas extending off the western and southern coasts, specifically from Puttalam to Matara via Colombo and Galle.

The forecast also suggests that showers or thundershowers may develop in other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.

Wind patterns are expected to be south-westerly with speeds ranging between 25 to 35 kilometres per hour (kmph).

However, the Department of Meteorology cautions that wind speeds could increase significantly, reaching up to 45-50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar, and also from Hambantota to Pottuvil.

As a result of these wind conditions, the sea areas off the coasts extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar and from Hambantota to Pottuvil are expected to be fairly rough at times.

The Department further warns of temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough sea conditions that could occur during thundershowers in all sea areas around the island.