The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory warning of severe lightning across most of Sri Lanka, effective until 11pm on Saturday, April 12.
The warning covers Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-Western, and Uva provinces, as well as the Ampara, Batticaloa, and Polonnaruwa districts. Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are expected from 1pm onwards, with temporary localised strong winds possible during storms.
The advisory falls on the eve of Sinhala-Tamil New Year (April 13), when many people are travelling or gathering for outdoor Avurudu celebrations. The Meteorology Department has urged the public to take precautions against lightning damage and seek shelter during thunderstorms.
The warning follows a week of heightened weather activity across the island, including the earlier red alert for 20 districts on April 6 that resulted in at least one fatality.
Those attending Avurudu events in open-air settings are particularly at risk and advised to move indoors if thunderstorms develop in their area.
