A deep depression has intensified over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal and the East Equatorial Indian Ocean, according to National Bulletin No. 5 issued at 5:30 am IST on January 8, 2026.
The system moved west-northwest at a speed of 15 kmph over the past six hours. During this period, it strengthened from a depression into a deep depression.
System Location at 5:30 am IST
At 5:30 am IST, the deep depression lay near latitude 5.4°N and longitude 85.3°E. It remained about 420 km east-southeast of Pottuvil and 470 km east-southeast of Batticaloa and Hambantota in Sri Lanka.
The system also stayed 570 km southeast of Trincomalee, 860 km southeast of Karaikal, and 1,020 km south-southeast of Chennai.
Movement and Landfall Forecast
Meteorologists expect the deep depression to move west-northwest across the southwest Bay of Bengal over the next 36 hours.
The system is likely to cross the Sri Lanka coast between Hambantota and Kalmunai by the evening or night of January 9, 2026.
Monitoring Continues
Weather agencies continue to track the system closely. Officials will issue further bulletins based on its movement and intensity.
Coastal and fishing communities have been advised to remain cautious and follow official weather updates.
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