Sri Lanka, Jan. 20 -- Ratnapura marked the island's highest maximum temperature today (19) at 32.9C. According to data from the Department of Meteorology's regional centres, several major cities experienced elevated temperatures during the afternoon hours.

The recorded maximum temperatures for key areas include:

Katunayake and Mattala: 31.2C

Colombo and Ratmalana: 30.6C and 30.8C

Kurunegala: 30.5C

Pothuvil: 30.1C

Hambantota: 30.0C

In contrast, Nuwara Eliya in the central hills recorded the lowest maximum temperature at 20.2C. Bandarawela reported a temperature of 23.6C, while most other parts of the country maintained figures between 28C and 30C.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....