The Department of Meteorology has cautioned the people of rising atmospheric temperatures at some places in North-western, Western, Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Anuradhapura and Mannar districts in the coming hours.

The advisory, issued at 03.30 p.m. today (03 March), will be in effect until tomorrow evening (04 March). 

“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”, it warned.

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

Thus, members of the public have been advised to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade as often as possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities. They were 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.