Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center said on Tuesday that the number of people affected by the severe dry weather conditions prevailing across the island country had risen to over 321,000.

The worst affected districts are Vavuniya and Jaffna in the north, Puttalam in the North Western province and Kegalle in the Sabaragamuwa Province.

The Disaster Management Center said the lack of rains, especially in the mountainous areas, had resulted in a severe water shortage.

Assistant Director of the Disaster Management Center Pradeep Kodippili said officials were continuing to send water bowsers into the areas to supply fresh water to the families.

Kodippili said people were also advised to remain cautious and stay indoors due to the extreme weather conditions.

The Meteorology Department, in its latest weather update, said hot weather conditions are likely to rise further in the coming days but temporary showers could also be expected.

Temperatures are expected to rise to as high as 41 degrees Celsius.