Hot Weather to Continue till May

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

Mainly fair weather will prevail in most parts of the island. According to the Meteorological Department, the prevailing hot weather will continue until mid-April or early May. According to the Department of Meteorology, the reason for the current hot weather is the decrease in wind speed and cloudiness in the sky.

Temperature records of several districts projected to exceed 32°C. Jaffna, Anuradhapura and Ratnapura may soar to a scorching over 34°C, while Mannar is set to reach 34°C. Maximum temperature of 37.9°C reported in Puttalam area during last 24 hours.

In anticipation of the prevailing high atmospheric temperatures set to further rise, the Education Ministry has issued a directive to all school authorities. In the advisory, schools are instructed not to send students out into the open for extended periods.

Health officials request the general public to consume more water, due to the hot weather condition prevailing these days. They further say that drinking less water could lead to dehydration easily and advised children, athletes and those who stay outdoors often to hydrate themselves.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya district during the evening or night.

Mainly dry weather will prevail elsewhere of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Galle, Matara and Anuradhapura districts during the morning.