Sri Lanka, Feb. 18 -- The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an amber-level heat index advisory, warning that the temperature felt on the human body is expected to rise to the 'caution' level in several areas.

According to the advisory, issued at 4:00 p.m. on February 17 and valid for February 18, the affected regions include the Northern, North-Central, North-Western, Western, and Southern provinces, along with the Ratnapura district.

The heat index, calculated using relative humidity and maximum temperature, reflects the condition felt on the body rather than the actual temperature. The Department of Meteorology prepared the forecast using global numerical weather prediction model data.

The public is advised to take nece...