The Department of Meteorology predicts that showery conditions over the island are likely to intensify after today (26). Showers or thundershowers will occur in several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North Western, and Uva Provinces in the evening or night. Light showers are likely over the western and southern coastal areas during the morning too. Fairly heavy rainfall of about 50 mm is likely in some places in the Sabaragamuwa Province and in the Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara Districts. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by lightning activity and localised strong winds during thundershowers. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces during the morning. The weather forecast for the fishing and naval community indicates that wind speeds can reach 20-30 kmph, and 40 kmph at times in the sea areas from Puttalam to Mannar, and Mannar to Kankansanthurai, while wind speed from Kankasanthurai to Trincomalee, and Colombo to Puttalam can reach between 20-30 kmph. Showers or thundershowers will occur in several places in the afternoon including Puttalam to Mannar, Pottuvil to Hambantota, Hambantota to Galle, Galle to Colombo, and Colombo to Puttalam. Meanwhile, the Heat Index is expected to reach “extreme caution” levels in some places in the North Western Province and in the Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, and Polonnaruwa Districts. The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre warns that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible while continuous activity could result in heatstroke. The Heat Index in Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Ampara, Moneragala, Hambantota, Matara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kalutara, Colombo, Gampaha, and Kegalle will be at “caution” levels. The public in these areas will experience fatigue with prolonged exposure and activity, while continuous activity could result in heat cramps. The public is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible; when indoors, check up on the elderly and the sick; never leave children unattended if you are using a vehicle; when outdoors, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade, and stay hydrated; and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.