Dry weather to intensify in parts of Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Met Department warns that the dry weather is intensifying in many parts of Sri Lanka.

The heat index, which reflects the temperature felt by the human body, is expected to reach caution levels in some places across the North-Western, North-Central, and Eastern provinces.

The heat index is also at caution level in the districts of Mannar, Vavuniya, Monaragala, Rathnapura, Colombo, and Gampaha.

The Met Department advises people in these areas to take health and safety precautions.

Meanwhile, the Met Department predicts that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night.

Director-General of the Met Department Athula Karunanayake said that from March 22, some parts of the country may experience scattering showers.

However, he warned that these showers won't be enough to significantly alleviate the prevailing dry weather.

He added that the sun will be at its peak from April 5 -15, warning of a possibility of increased heat during that period.

Meanwhile, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board warns that 18 water supply systems may experience shortages, due to the dry spell.