Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in North-western, Western, Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Mannar District.
Temperature records of several districts projected to exceed 32°C. Colombo, Anuradhapura and Ratnapura may soar to a scorching over 34°C, while Mannar is set to reach 33°C. Maximum temperature of 36.7°C reported in Katunayake area during last 24 hours.
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.
In anticipation of the prevailing high atmospheric temperatures set to further rise on February 29 and the day after, 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.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Kalutara, Ratnapura, Nuwara-eliya, Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night. A few showers are likely in Southern and Eastern provinces during the morning. Mainly dry weather will prevail elsewhere in the island.
Fairly strong winds about (30-35) kmph can be expected at times in North-western province and in Hambantota district.
The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize the damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.