Deep Depression Approaches Sri Lanka: Heavy Rain and High Winds Forecast for Nine Districts
By Lions Roar News Weather Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (January 9, 2026) — The Department of Meteorology has issued an urgent weather advisory as a Deep Depression in the Bay of Bengal closes in on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. As of 6:00 AM today, the system was located approximately 170 km east of Batticaloa and is expected to make landfall by tonight.
While authorities have clarified that the system is unlikely to escalate into a full-scale cyclone, significant rainfall and strong winds are expected to lash several provinces over the next 72 hours.
📍 Landfall and Movement of the System
The Deep Depression is currently moving in a northwesterly direction. Forecasters predict the system will cross the Sri Lankan coast between Pottuvil and Trincomalee between 5:30 PM and 11:30 PM tonight (January 9).
Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, noted in a morning press briefing that while the rainfall might not be as extreme as initially feared yesterday, today will still mark the peak of the system’s impact. Conditions are expected to gradually improve by tomorrow, January 10.
⛈️ Heavy Rain Warnings for 9 Districts
A substantial increase in rain and wind is anticipated across the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva, and Central provinces. Specifically, nine districts are on high alert for heavy falls exceeding 100 mm:
- Northern Province: Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Vavuniya.
- North-Central Province: Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
- Eastern Province: Trincomalee.
- Central Province: Matale.
Residents in these areas are advised to secure loose items around their homes and be prepared for localized flooding in low-lying areas.
⚓ Urgent Notice for Naval and Fishing Communities
The Department has issued a total “No-Go” warning for the sea areas around the island until further notice.
- Restricted Zone: Fishing and naval communities are strictly advised not to venture into the sea areas between 04°N – 14°N Latitude and 76°E – 85°E Longitude.
- Evacuation Order: Those currently at sea in these regions are urged to return to the coast or seek safe harbor immediately.
- Conditions: Sea areas off the coast from Trincomalee to Pottuvil via Batticaloa will be very rough with heavy squalls and high winds.
