An unseasonal depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal moved west-northwest on Wednesday and is now closer to Sri Lanka’s east coast.

The system is centred near 5.4°N and 85°E, about 750 km east-southeast of Colombo. Due to its proximity to the equator, further intensification is unlikely.

The depression is expected to cross Sri Lanka by Thursday evening. Strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas are likely along Sri Lanka’s east coast, including Colombo and Trincomalee, affecting marine activities.

After landfall, the system will weaken and move into the Gulf of Mannar. Heavy rainfall is expected over south coastal Tamil Nadu between January 9 and 11, especially over Kanyakumari, Nagercoil and Tuticorin.