The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for severe lightning in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western, North-Central, Uva, and Southern provinces and the Ampara, Batticaloa, Mannar, and Vavuniya districts today (08). 

Per the advisory, effective until 11.30 pm, red alerts have been issued to 21 districts and amber alerts to four districts.

Thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at some places after 1.00 pm, while there may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.

The public is requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning activity.