March 08, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has warned that the prevailing spell of unusually hot weather affecting several parts of Sri Lanka is expected to continue for the next few months, with elevated temperatures likely to persist until around May.
Meteorologists say the current conditions are being driven by seasonal atmospheric patterns that typically bring warmer and more humid weather to the island during this period of the year.
According to the department, the “heat index” — which indicates how hot the weather feels to the human body when humidity is taken into account — is forecast to remain at a cautionary level in a number of areas today. Among the districts expected to experience noticeable heat stress are Colombo and Gampaha, where residents may feel temperatures higher than the actual recorded values.
Similar conditions are predicted in several other parts of the country, including the Sabaragamuwa, North Western and North Central provinces. Districts such as Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala are also likely to experience elevated daytime temperatures.
Weather officials have advised the public to take precautions during the hotter parts of the day, including staying well hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and reducing strenuous outdoor activities where possible. Authorities have also encouraged employers and outdoor workers to remain mindful of the health risks associated with heat stress during this period.