According to the advisory issued at 12.30 p.m., thundershowers with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.
The Department also warned that temporary localized strong winds may occur during the thundershowers.
The general public has been kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
People have been advised to seek shelter indoors and avoid standing under trees during thunderstorms. The Department further urged the public to avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies when thunderstorms occur.
In addition, the public has been advised to refrain from using wired telephones and connected electrical appliances during thunderstorms and to avoid using open vehicles such as bicycles, tractors and boats.
The advisory also cautioned people to be vigilant of fallen trees and damaged power lines during adverse weather conditions.
The Department of Meteorology further stated that for emergency assistance, the public should contact local disaster management authorities.
The warning is currently in effect for Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and the Galle and Matara districts until 11.00 p.m. today.
