The Meteorology Department yesterday, issued a notice requesting people to be cautious of a heat wave that some parts of the country might experience today (07).
They observed that the maximum heat indexes in some areas have already increased.
People in the Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva Provinces are requested to be watchful as the maximum heat index has increased. The heat indexes of these areas may reach a ‘caution’ level. The caution level records temperatures ranging between 39-45 Celsius degrees.
According to the notice, people living in areas under “caution” level, would experience fatigue with prolonged exposure and activity.
Continuing activity could result in heat cramps, it said.
People in areas categorized as “extreme caution”, which will be between 46-52, may experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continuing activity may cause heart strokes, it warned.
The Meteorology Department duty officer said that the heat condition may subdue if these areas receive showers.
Employees at construction sites are expected to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible. Residents are requested to check up on the elderly and the sick. People are also advised not to leave kids inside vehicles. It also requested to limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
The Maximum heat index is normally computed taking into consideration the temperature and humidity levels in the atmosphere.
Meanwhile,the Meteorology Department weather forecast predicts a possibility of afternoon thundershowers over the island. The weather forecast said that “Showers or thundershowers will occur in most part of the island after 2.00 pm. Showers will occur in the Western and Southern Provinces during the morning as well.
“Heavy falls, about 100 mm can be expected at some places, particularly in the Central,Sabaragamuwa,Uva, North-Central,Southern and Eastern Provinces and in the Kalutara district. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces during the morning,” The releae further added. On marine weather, showers and thundershowers will occur at several places in other sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Potuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambantota.
“Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in other coastal areas in the evening or night. Windy conditions will be experienced in a South-Westerly to Southerly direction in the sea areas around the island with speeds ranging from 25-35 kmph,” the forecast further said.