Sri Lanka has been experiencing a prolonged period of elevated temperatures, primarily due to the natural phenomenon of the sun being directly overhead various parts of the island. This occurrence, a result of the sun's apparent northward relative motion, spanned from April 5 to April 15. During this time, locations such as Dehiwala, Maharagama, and Pottuvil experienced the sun directly overhead around 12:13 PM on April 7, while Anuradhapura and Mihinthale saw the same around 12:11 PM on April 11. By April 15, the sun was directly above areas including Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu around 12:10 PM. This phenomenon leads to minimal shadows and higher daytime temperatures around midday.
In response to the escalating heat, the Department of Meteorology's Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has been issuing continuous heat advisories. These advisories warn that the Heat Index, which represents the temperature felt by the human body and is calculated using relative humidity and maximum temperature, is likely to reach a 'Caution level' in numerous areas across the country. This 'Caution level' indicates that prolonged exposure could lead to fatigue, and continued activity may cause heat cramps.
The advisories have consistently covered a wide range of provinces and districts, including the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces, as well as the Monaragala district. Specific advisories have also highlighted areas such as Kegalle, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa districts. At various points, the Department has indicated that 21 districts across these regions are likely to be affected.
Recent advisories underscore the persistent nature of the warm weather. An advisory issued on April 25, 2026, was valid for April 26, 2026, covering parts of the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces, and Monaragala district. Subsequently, a warning issued on April 26 was valid for April 27, reiterating the 'Caution level' for the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces, and Monaragala district. The latest advisory, issued for April 29, specifically targets residents of the Northern, North-Central, and North-Western provinces, along with Kegalle, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa districts, urging vigilance.
Despite the ongoing heat, the Department of Meteorology also forecast rain for the afternoon of April 25 in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-Western provinces, as well as Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya districts, indicating that the heat advisory remains in effect even with the possibility of precipitation. Residents in all affected areas are strongly advised to take measures to minimize potential health impacts from the heat.