Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has issued a heat advisory warning that the heat index will reach “Caution” level across most of the island on April 6.
The warning covers the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North Western, Northern, and North Central provinces, along with Monaragala District — effectively the entire country outside the central highlands.
Precautions
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre advises residents to drink plenty of water, rest in shaded areas, and wear light-coloured, lightweight clothing. Strenuous outdoor activities should be limited. Elderly residents and those with existing health conditions should take extra care, and children must not be left unattended in vehicles.
The sun passed directly overhead at Dodanduwa, Rathgama, Yakkalamulla, Akuressa, Mulgirigala, Ranna, Kalamatiya, and Ussangoda at 12:13 pm on April 5.
The heat warning comes amid heightened strain on the national power grid. With fuel rationing and power cuts already in effect, increased air conditioning demand during heat waves adds further pressure to an energy system stretched by the Middle East supply disruption.
