The Department of Meteorology has issued a severe lightning advisory for parts of the country, warning of intense weather conditions in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Eastern provinces, along with the Kurunegala District today (18).

The advisory, effective until 11:30 p.m., places 11 districts under red alert and 14 districts under amber alert.

According to the Department, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in several areas after 1:00 p.m., with temporary localized strong winds also expected during storms.