The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather alert for Uva, Eastern, Northern, and North-Central provinces in Sri Lanka, warning of the likelihood of thunderstorms on the evening of October 9th. Additionally, scattered showers or thunderstorms are anticipated in Eastern, Uva, Central, Northern, and North-Central provinces, as well as the Kurunegala district during the evening or night. Some areas may experience heavy rains exceeding 75mm.
Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions to reduce lightning-related accidents as strong lightning is expected. Safety measures recommended by the Meteorological Department include:
- Avoiding outdoor activities and seeking shelter in protected buildings or closed vehicles.
- Avoiding open areas such as fields, tea plantations, playgrounds, and reservoirs.
- Refraining from using corded phones and electrical appliances.
- Avoiding open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors, and boats.
- Being cautious of strong winds that may topple trees and power lines.
- In case of an emergency, seeking assistance from local disaster management authorities.
While the southwestern part of the country has experienced several weeks of rain, many reservoirs that generate hydroelectric power have not received sufficient rainfall. The weather forecast indicates a possibility of rain in other regions of the country, which may contribute to water resources in those areas.
