Hot weather to continue till mid-March: Met Dept.

The prevailing hot weather condition would last until mid-March and disappear with the onset of the Inter monsoon rain, Director General of the Department of Meteorology Athula Karunanayake said.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, he said although there was a slight increase in the temperature, it had not yet reached an adverse level.

“There could be minor spells of showers in near future. However, it would take another month for the prevailing hot weather to disappear,” Mr. Karunanayake said.

“We are monitoring the prevailing climate changes and will take prompt measures to inform people on any adverse situation by issuing heat weather advisory,” he added.

He said the temperature level of several areas had increased by two to three times than the average level. People living in the coastal areas would feel the weather is more hotter than those who are living elsewhere.

Moreover, the maximum temperature of 35.8°c was reported from Ratnapura yesterday.

Meanwhile, National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Senior Scientist H.D. Sarath Premasiri told Daily Mirror that it was precautionary for people to avoid unnecessary exposure to the hot sun and to drink plenty of fluids on frequent basis due to the comparative increase in temperature in the country.

Mr. Premasiri said that in order to prevent human body from being exposed to the sun and asked to stay under shade whenever possible.(Sheain Fernandopulle)