The Department of Meteorology says a slight increase in rainfall is expected in the south-western parts of the island over the next few days, beginning tomorrow (28).
According to the department, several spells of rain are expected today (27) in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
Rain or thundershowers may also occur after 2.00 p.m. in a few places in the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
The rest of the island is expected to experience mainly dry weather.
The Department of Meteorology further stated that fairly strong winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour may occur over the western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern and North Central provinces, as well as in the Hambantota, Trincomalee and Puttalam districts.
The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimise the risk of accidents caused by temporary strong winds and lightning associated with thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, the Department of Meteorology’s Natural Disaster Early Warning Centre has also issued a warning regarding prevailing hot weather conditions.
According to the advisory, the heat index — the temperature felt by the human body — may reach cautionary levels during the daytime in parts of the Eastern Province and the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa and Monaragala districts.
In view of these conditions, the department has advised the public to drink plenty of water, rest as much as possible in shaded areas, and pay special attention to the elderly and those who are ill.
The department has also urged the public not to leave small children unattended inside vehicles during periods of high temperatures, to limit strenuous outdoor activities, and to wear white or light-coloured clothing to reduce heat exposure.
