The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued a severe lightning advisory covering 15 districts in Sri Lanka, warning of thundershowers and intense lightning activity through Sunday evening.
The advisory, issued at noon and valid until 11:00 p.m. on April 19, covers the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North Western, North Central and Uva provinces, along with Ampara district in the Eastern Province. The Department of Meteorology said thundershowers with severe lightning are likely after 1:00 p.m., with a high risk rating and the possibility of temporary strong winds.
Authorities warned of potential fallen trees and damaged power lines across the affected areas. The public has been urged to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open areas and water bodies, and refrain from using wired electrical appliances while lightning is active.
The warning is the latest in a series of April advisories during the post-Avurudu holiday period. Lightning red alerts were issued for 14 districts on April 15 and seven districts on April 17, reflecting sustained convective weather patterns across the island’s interior.
With heavy holiday travel still underway, authorities have reiterated that outdoor gatherings, waterway bathing and unshaded work in open fields should be paused when lightning is overhead. Fatal strikes have already been recorded during the April advisory cycle, including a woman killed by lightning in Handapanagala earlier this month.
