The Department of Meteorology has issued a severe lightning advisory effective until 11:00 pm on April 15, with red alerts covering 14 districts and amber alerts for eight more.
The affected areas include the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva Provinces, along with the Galle, Matara, Anuradhapura and Kurunegala Districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by severe lightning are expected, with possible temporary localised strong winds during thundershowers.
The public is urged to take adequate precautions to minimise damage from lightning activity, including staying indoors during storms and avoiding open fields and tall isolated structures.
The warning follows a pattern of severe weather advisories issued during the post-Avurudu period, as inter-monsoonal convective activity intensifies across the island. A previous red alert covering 20 districts was issued on Avurudu day itself.
The Met Department has forecast normal rainfall for the May-June period, though the current inter-monsoonal thunderstorm activity remains a significant safety concern, particularly as people travel back from holiday destinations.
