Sri Lanka, Jan. 22 -- A biting chill swept through the hill country today (22), with Nuwara Eliya recording the lowest temperature in the island at 3.5C during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m.

Data from the Department of Meteorology highlights a sharp temperature fluctuation in the hill capital; despite the near-freezing overnight low, the daytime maximum climbed to 20.7C.

In stark contrast, the rest of the country experienced warm and dry conditions, with maximum temperatures soaring above 30C in many areas. Ratnapura recorded a high of 33.5C, followed closely by Hambantota and Ratmalana at 32.7C. The Colombo and Katunayake areas also remained warm, recording highs of 31.8C and 32.0C, respectively.

Rainfall was negligible islan...