Red alert issued for Bay of Bengal as new low-pressure system threatens cyclone

Daily Mirror reports that the Department of Meteorology warned of unsettled conditions in the days ahead, linked to a low-pressure area expected to form in the southeastern Bay of Bengal and a neighbouring east-central area. Newswire says a forecast issued at 5:30 a.m. on October 24 placed the system near the North Andaman Islands and predicted a west-northwest course. It could become a depression on October 24, deepen by October 25 and reach cyclonic-storm strength in the west-central Bay of Bengal by October 26, Newswire reports.

Newswire reports that the department does not expect the system to affect Sri Lanka directly, although rainfall is expected to increase in the island’s southwest over the next few days. Newsfirst (සිංහල) says the department forecast showers with thunder for October 23 in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Northern and Northwestern provinces, as well as Anuradhapura and Galle districts. Sri Lanka Mirror reports that the system was moving west, away from Sri Lanka, but could continue influencing conditions on October 23.

Newswire forecasts intermittent showers or thunderstorms in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Northern and Northwestern provinces, with rain possible elsewhere after 1 p.m. and totals above 50 mm possible in some locations. Rupavahini News reports that a low-level disturbance near Sri Lanka had grown into a low-pressure area, with rainfall exceeding 100 mm in some provinces. Sri Lanka Mirror’s headline gives a forecast of more than 75 mm in several areas. Tamilmirror’s headline says rain was expected around the country that day, while Ada Derana headlines report increased rainfall across Sri Lanka and in parts of the island over the coming days.

Newswire reports that the Department of Meteorology issued a red alert at 4:30 p.m. on October 23, valid for 24 hours, warning multi-day fishing vessels of strong winds and rough seas in deep-sea areas of the Bay of Bengal. The warning covered waters between 10°N and 20°N and 80°E and 95°E; naval and fishing communities were advised to avoid maritime activity, and vessels already in those waters were urged to move to safety. Newswire also reports advice to watch for temporary strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms, and a forecast of early-morning mist in parts of the Central and Uva provinces.

Written automatically by AI from the outlets’ own reports, and not reviewed by an editor. It can be wrong — the original report is the authority.