The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an amber warm weather advisory for Monday, warning of increased heat stress during daylight hours across the Eastern Province and six districts.
The advisory, issued at 4.00 p.m. on Sunday, applies to the Eastern Province and to the Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts.
The heat index — the temperature as felt by the human body, combining air temperature and humidity — is expected to reach the “Caution” level in some of those areas during the day.
What the advisory asks of the public
The centre advised people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and seek shade where possible. Those working at outdoor job sites were urged to take frequent breaks in shaded areas, and people indoors were asked to check on elderly and sick relatives and neighbours.
Motorists were warned not to leave children unattended inside vehicles.
A recurring pattern this month
The same broad area has been under repeated heat advisories through August. The most recent covered the Eastern Province and six districts on August 28, followed by one for Hambantota on August 29. Earlier bulletins covered seven districts on August 12 and August 15, and the Eastern Province, North Central Province and Jaffna on August 20.
The persistence reflects the dry spell running across the north and east, which has affected more than 80,000 people in seven districts and damaged some 8,000 acres of crops. The Met Office has described the current El Niño as the strongest in living memory.
No other verified newsroom had carried Monday’s advisory at the time of writing.
