Bay of Bengal depression to intensify into severe cyclonic storm today

Monday, 2 November 2026 05:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the Westcentral Bay of Bengal today, the Department of Meteorology warned.

The system, moving west-northwestwards, was forecast to develop into a deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal around 11.30 a.m. yesterday, and to intensify into a cyclonic storm around 11.30 p.m.

The Department warned that wind speeds in the affected sea areas could occasionally reach 70-80 kmph, accompanied by heavy showers or thundershowers, with sea conditions expected to become very rough.

Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers were forecast after 1.00 p.m. yesterday in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Southern Provinces, as well as in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts, with dry weather expected in other parts of the island.