Lightning warnings this evening (6)

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an 'Amber' level advisory regarding severe lightning affecting several parts of the country.

According to announcement No. 01, this advisory, issued at 12:00 PM on Thursday, February 06, 2026, will be valid until 11:00 PM on the same day.

Several places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts, have a possibility of experiencing thunderstorms with severe lightning.

The advisory also states that temporarily strong winds may occur locally with thunderstorms.

The Department of Meteorology requests the public to take adequate precautionary measures to minimize damage caused by lightning activity and reduce the risk of injury.

As a precaution, the public is advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms and not to stay under trees. The public is also warned to stay away from open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations, and open water bodies.

Additionally, the department further advises not to use wired telephones and electrical appliances during thunderstorms, and to avoid traveling in open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors, and boats. Attention is also drawn to the risks posed by fallen trees and broken power lines.

In case of an emergency, the public is requested to contact local disaster management authorities for assistance.