Heat index advisory issued warning of increased temperatures

The Department of Meteorology has cautioned the people of rising temperatures in the North-western, Western and Southern provinces and Ratnapura and Mannar Districts in the coming hours.

The advisory, issued at 03.30 p.m. today (29), will be in effect until tomorrow evening (March 01). 

“Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution’ level at some places in North-western, Western and Southern provinces and Ratnapura and Mannar Districts”, it warned.

As per the advisory, under this level of temperature, fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity. Continuing activity could result in heat cramps.

Thus, the members of the public are advised to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade as often as possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities. They are also requested to check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended inside vehicles and to wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.