Sri Lanka grapples with dry weather as nearly 10,000 people from 3,027 families are affected across the island.

Gampaha district bears the brunt of the dry conditions, with 7,053 people impacted.

An additional 2,813 people in Kegalle district are also facing difficulties.

The Department of Meteorology forecasts the hot weather to persist throughout April.

Meanwhile the Met department predicts, Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places inWestern, Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces after 2.00 p.m. Fairly heavy showers above 50 mm are likely at some places.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in North-western and Central provinces and in Mannar and Vavuniya districts in the evening or night.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.