The Department of Meteorology has issued a caution-level heat index advisory for 21 districts on Wednesday, April 16, the broadest heat alert this month as post-Avurudu temperatures climb.
The advisory covers the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces along with the Monaragala district. The heat index — the temperature as felt on the human body — is expected to reach caution level at several locations across these districts.
At caution level, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued physical activity could result in heat cramps, the department warned.
The alert follows a series of escalating weather advisories during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday period, including a red-level lightning alert that covered 14 districts earlier this week.
The 21-district scope makes this the widest heat advisory of the current cycle, surpassing the five-province alert issued on April 11. The Met Department has urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure during midday hours, and check on elderly and vulnerable individuals.
The advisory comes as hundreds of thousands of holiday travellers return to cities following the Avurudu break, with road conditions compounded by high temperatures.
