Extreme heat warning issued to 17 districts until today

• According to the heat index issued by the department 17 districts including Colombo would be affected by hot weather conditions

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

The Meteorology Department has issued extreme heat weather advisory until today (21) particularly for Western, North-Western, Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces and Moneragala and Hambantota Districts.  

According to the heat index issued by the department, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaithivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Puttalam, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Batticaloa, Gampaha, Ampara, Colombo, Moneragala, Kalutara and Hambantota Districts would be affected by hot weather conditions.  

“People may suffer heat cramps, exhaustion and continuing activity in the heat or sun could lead to heatstroke,” the advisory warns.  
The Met. Dept. also advised the public to remain hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible at job sites.  

They also advised checking the elderly and the sick, who are indoors and not leaving children unattended.  
“Outdoor workers are advised to limit their strenuous activities, find shade and stay hydrated,” it said  

Matale, Kandy, Kegalla, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara are also recorded as caution areas.  

Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and the condition that is felt on the human body. 

•   Heat Index forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and the condition that is felt on the human body