The reduction in wind speed has increased the heat in many areas of the country, the Meteorology Department said today.

A spokesman from the department said heat increased when the country started moving towards the inter-monsoon season.

However, during noontime, showers and thundershowers were forecast at several areas in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western Provinces and in the Kurunegala District.

Fairly heavy falls of over 75mm were expected in several areas in the Ratnapura, Galle and Matara districts. Also, spells of light showers were forecast in the Eastern and Uva Provinces and in the Polonnaruwa and Matale Districts.

The highest temperature of 35.9C degrees was reported from Mattala in the Hambantota District, while the temperature was 30C degrees in Maha Iluppulama and 29.3C degrees in Polonnaruwa. Mist was expected in Ratnapura. (Yohan Perera)