In its general weather forecast issued at 4.00 p.m. today for the next 36 hours, the department said the low-pressure system is expected to move nearly northwards during the coming days while continuing to affect weather conditions in the country.Accordingly, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces, as well as in the Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers are also expected in other parts of the island after 1.00 p.m.

The department warned that heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm is likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Uva provinces and in the Ampara, Batticaloa, Galle and Matara districts.The public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.