Heat index to increase up to ‘Caution level’

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in North-western, Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern provinces and in Mannar District.

Temperature records of several districts projected to exceed 31°C. Ratnapura may soar to a scorching over 36°C, while Colombo and Anuradhapura are set to reach 33°C. Maximum temperature of 35.9°C reported in Katunayake area during last 24 hours.

According to the Meteorological Department, the prevailing hot weather will continue till mid-April. According to the Department of Meteorology, the reason for the current hot weather is the decrease in wind speed and cloudiness in the sky.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Kalutara, Ratnapura, Nuwara-eliya, Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night. Mainly dry weather will prevail elsewhere in the island.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize the damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.