The Department of Meteorology has issued an amber advisory for severe lightning in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and the Galle and Matara districts. 

The advisory, issued at 12.15 p.m. today(05), is effective until 11 p.m. 

The department said thundershowers with severe lightning are likely in these areas, with temporary, localized strong winds also possible. 

The public has been urged to take precautions to minimise damage from lightning activity.