February 16, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Meteorology has issued a Heat Index Advisory for tomorrow (18), warning of elevated temperatures across several regions, including the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, and Southern provinces, as well as the Rathnapura district.
According to the advisory, the heat index, which refers to the temperature that the human body actually experiences, is expected to reach ‘caution’ levels in some areas within the affected regions.
This means that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to fatigue, and continued physical activity could result in heat cramps.
In light of these conditions, the public is urged to take precautions. Authorities recommend staying hydrated, seeking shade whenever possible, and limiting strenuous outdoor activities to prevent overheating.
Additionally, people are encouraged to check on vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those in poor health, avoid leaving children unattended in vehicles, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing, preferably white or light-coloured, to minimise the effects of the heat.
The Heat Index is calculated based on a combination of relative humidity and maximum temperature, reflecting the actual conditions felt by the body. This forecast is based on data from global weather prediction models and is specifically prepared for the following day’s conditions, rather than predicting the maximum temperature alone.
