COLOMBO, May 21 (Xinhua) -- A heat wave will sweep through Sri Lanka in the coming days and the public have been warned to take precautionary steps, the Meteorology Department said in its latest weather update here on Tuesday.

The department said the heat levels may reach "caution levels" and temperatures were likely to reach as high as 45 degrees centigrade in some provinces.

People in Polonnaruwa in the north central province, Trincomalee in the east and Vavuniya and Mullaitivu in the north were urged to remain extra cautious.

According to the Meteorology Department, people living in areas under "caution level," are likely to experience fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat strokes and heat cramps.

The department further warned those living in these areas to avoid going outdoor in the coming days.