Consultant Psychiatrist at the Galle National Hospital, Dr. Rumi Ruben, has cautioned that the ongoing hot weather linked to El Niño is contributing to a rise in reported cases of mental illness.

He explained that prolonged exposure to the sun increases body heat, which can affect mental wellbeing. 

Scientific studies show that such conditions heighten anger, lower tolerance levels, and foster a confrontational attitude. These effects, he noted, can escalate into serious psychological problems.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, while motorists may experience road rage, and households could see an increase in domestic violence. 

Dr. Ruben stressed that hot weather can also worsen the mental state of those already diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.

He advised the public to reduce exposure to direct sunlight and to consume more water as practical measures to mitigate the risks. (Newswire)

The post Rising heat linked to surge in mental health issues – Consultant Psychiatrist warns appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Ampara, and Monaragala districts valid for tomorrow (13).

Per the advisory, the heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places during the daytime. 

Residents have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight where possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. (Newswire)

The post August 13 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 07 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Eastern and North Central provinces and the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts today (22).

Per the advisory, the heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places during the daytime. 

Residents have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight where possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. (Newswire)

The post July 22 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 09 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in Eastern province and the Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, and Monaragala districts today (20). 

Per the advisory, the Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places during the daytime. 

The Met department has issued ‘Caution level’ alerts to eight districts. 

Residents have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight where possible and limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. (Newswire)

The post July 20 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 08 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber-level Warm Weather Advisory for 17 districts, warning that the heat index is likely to rise to “Caution level” in several parts of the country on May 3.

The advisory, issued on May 2, is valid for the Northern, North Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and North Western provinces, as well as the Colombo, Gampaha and Monaragala districts.

According to the department, the heat index — the temperature felt by the human body — is expected to increase during daytime hours in the affected areas.

The Meteorology Department said the heat index forecast is calculated using relative humidity and maximum temperature data and does not represent the actual maximum temperature forecast.

Public have been advised to take precautionary measures to avoid heat-related health issues.

People working at job sites have been urged to stay hydrated and take regular breaks in shaded areas, while those indoors were advised to check on elderly individuals and persons who are ill.

The public was also warned never to leave children unattended inside vehicles and to limit strenuous outdoor activities during the daytime. Residents were further advised to wear lightweight, white or light-colored clothing and remain hydrated. (Newswire)

The post Weather: ‘Caution level’ heat advisory issued for 17 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa provinces and the Kurunegala, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Mullaittivu, and Kilinochchi districts. 

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 30), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 13 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post April 30 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 13 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern provinces and Monaragala district.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 24), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 21 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post Friday : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 21 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern provinces and the Monaragala district.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 23), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 21 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post April 23 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 21 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and the Monaragala district.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 21), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 21 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post April 21 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 21 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern provinces and the Monaragala district.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 17), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 21 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 21 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern provinces and the Monaragala district.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 16), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 21 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post April 16 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 21 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces, and the Monaragala district.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 03), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 21 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post April 03 : ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 21 districts appeared first on Newswire.

Veterinarian Dr. Shobhath Wijeratne has cautioned that the prevailing extreme heat conditions could have fatal consequences for domestic pets, particularly dogs and cats with dark fur.

He stressed that animals should never be left inside parked vehicles and advised owners to avoid exposing pets to direct sunlight during peak hours. 

Larger breeds such as Rottweilers and animals over 40 kilograms are especially vulnerable, he noted.

“The current extreme heat affects different animals in different ways,” Dr. Wijeratne said, adding that cats, dogs, farm animals, and pet birds each face distinct risks.

He warned that signs of distress include excessive panting and tongue protrusion.

“One thing you’ll see is that they are sticking out the tongue as much as possible and panting. Cats may show similar symptoms. In such cases, give it some ice, soak it in water, and seek immediate veterinary attention, as delays can be fatal,” the veterinarian said.

Dr. Wijeratne urged pet owners to ensure constant access to water, avoid muzzling during the day, and keep cages shaded to reduce heat exposure. (Newswire)

The post Veterinarian warns of fatal risks to pets amid extreme heat appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (April 02), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 21 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 21 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has instructed all schools and zonal education directors to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued in response to the prevailing extreme heat conditions across Sri Lanka.

The guidelines issued earlier this month (12), highlight the health risks posed by unusually high temperatures and urge the public to take preventive measures.

The ministry warns that extreme heat can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and in severe cases, heat stroke, which may cause unconsciousness and organ damage. 

The advisory stresses the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and wearing light, breathable clothing.

Recommended Preventive Measures

• Drink water frequently to stay hydrated.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Wear light, breathable clothing.
• Rest in shaded or cool areas when outdoors.
• Monitor vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
• Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of heat stroke appear.

Schools and institutions have been asked to adjust outdoor activities to safeguard students, while the public has been urged to conserve water and use it responsibly. 

The Education Ministry stresses that awareness and early response are crucial to preventing health emergencies during this period of extreme heat. (Newswire)

The post Education Ministry urges schools to strictly follow heat safety guidelines appeared first on Newswire.

The prevailing hot weather conditions across Sri Lanka are expected to continue until May, the Department of Meteorology said.

Additional Director General of Meteorology Ajith Wijemanna stated that the current warm conditions are likely to ease slightly once the southwest monsoon begins toward the latter part of May.

He noted that hot weather is expected to persist throughout April and May, with many parts of the island likely to experience high temperatures during this period.

Wijemanna explained that Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the first inter-monsoon period, during which wind speeds remain low, and there is no consistent wind direction, contributing to rising temperatures.

He further said reduced cloud cover and the sun being positioned directly over the island during this period lead to increased heating of both land and sea, resulting in the release of heat waves and warmer atmospheric conditions.

The Meteorology Department also warned that the hottest period of the day is expected between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., advising the public to limit outdoor activities during these hours.

Authorities also urged people to drink plenty of water, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially children and elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to heat-related health risks.

The department also noted that rainfall could remain limited in the coming months, with the possibility of drier conditions influenced by climate variability. (Newswire)

The post Heatwave conditions expected to continue until May — Met Department appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western provinces and Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya, Monaragala districts.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (26), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 14 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 14 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts. 

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (22), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 13 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 13 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-central, Southern and North-western provinces and Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (21), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 16 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 16 districts appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an advisory for warm weather in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, North-central, Southern, North-western provinces and Monaragala, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu districts.

Per the advisory, valid for tomorrow (20), the Heat Index, the temperature felt on the human body, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in 16 districts. 

As such, people may experience fatigue with prolonged exposure, while continued activity could result in heat cramps. (Newswire)

The post ‘Caution level’ heat alert issued for 16 districts appeared first on Newswire.