The Meteorology Department has issued a heat index advisory for the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and North-Western Provinces and the Gampaha and Colombo Districts of the Western Province for today (17).

The heat index, the temperature felt on the human body, is expected to increase up to the ‘caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and North-Western Provinces and the Gampaha and Colombo districts, it warned.

As per the advisory, under this level of temperature, fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity while continuing activity could result in heat cramps. Thus, the members of the public are advised to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade as often as possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities. They are also requested to check up on the elderly and the sick, to never leave children unattended inside vehicles and to wear lightweight and white or light coloured clothing.

The heat index forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and the maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on the body. This is not the forecast of the maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the period of the next day and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model-based data.