Sri Lanka, Aug. 14 -- The heat index felt by the human body will rise to a level requiring caution in several districts of the island today (14), the Department of Meteorology forecast.

Issuing a statement, the department announced that this condition is expected in the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Ampara, and Monaragala Districts, with temperatures in those districts taking a value between 39 and 45 degrees Celsius.

Accordingly, Government Medical Officers' Association Assistant Secretary Doctor Hansamal Weerasuriya requested the public to limit strenuous outdoor activities and drink adequate water, calling a press conference in Colombo yesterday.

A shortage of drinking water exists in certain areas as w...