The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber-level Warm Weather Advisory for 17 districts, warning that the heat index is likely to reach “Caution level” across several parts of the island during daytime hours on Tuesday, May 3.
The advisory covers the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, along with Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts. The heat index — the temperature actually felt by the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature — is expected to climb sharply between mid-morning and late afternoon.
The Met Department’s threshold-based system flags Amber-level Caution when the index is forecast to exceed 32 °C, a level at which fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity. The forecast is generated using global numerical weather prediction model data and is prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
The public has been advised to stay hydrated, take regular breaks in shaded areas while working outdoors, wear lightweight light-coloured clothing, avoid leaving children unattended in vehicles, and check on elderly and ill household members. Outdoor strenuous activity should be limited where possible.
Tuesday’s advisory expands the geographic footprint of the 13-district Caution-level alert issued on April 30, bringing Colombo, Gampaha and parts of Sabaragamuwa back under the warning. Earlier in the inter-monsoon period, the Met Department had issued a Caution-level advisory across five provinces on Avurudu day.
Further clarifications are available from the Disaster Preparedness and Response Division of the Ministry of Health on 011-7446491.
