The Maldives is expected to experience widespread rainfall over the next three days, with heavy showers and thunderstorms forecast across several regions as the country continues to experience seasonal monsoon conditions.
The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) said rain is likely throughout the country in the coming days, although the intensity and frequency of showers may vary between atolls.
The forecast comes as the southwest monsoon continues to influence weather conditions across the archipelago, bringing periods of unsettled weather and increased cloud cover.
According to the MET Office, some areas could experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder, while other regions may see intermittent showers throughout the forecast period.
Despite the expected rainfall, winds are forecast to remain generally light, with sea conditions expected to be relatively moderate.
The MET Office also issued a White Alert on Friday for heavy rain and thunderstorms affecting a large section of the country.
The advisory was in effect from 8:45 a.m. until 2:45 p.m., covering the area between Malé Atoll and Kolhumadulu Atoll.
The alert highlighted the possibility of intense showers and thunder in the affected region during the six-hour period.
Although White Alerts are issued for weather conditions that require public awareness, they do not represent the highest level of meteorological warning.
The latest forecast also indicates that rainfall patterns during October could differ considerably between the northern and southern parts of the Maldives.
According to the MET Office’s monthly outlook, the northern and central atolls are expected to receive above-average rainfall compared with typical October conditions recorded in previous years.
In contrast, the southern atolls are forecast to experience below-average rainfall during the month.
The difference reflects the varying influence of seasonal weather systems across the country’s widely dispersed atolls.
Temperatures are also expected to remain warmer than usual throughout October.
The MET Office predicts that both daytime maximum temperatures and overnight minimum temperatures will be above their normal monthly averages across the Maldives.
The combination of elevated temperatures and increased moisture could contribute to humid conditions, particularly during periods between rainfall.
October falls within the latter part of the southwest monsoon season, locally known as Hulhangu, which generally extends from May to November.
The season is typically associated with increased rainfall, thunderstorms, stronger winds and periods of rougher seas, although conditions can vary significantly from one island to another.
As a low-lying island nation, the Maldives can be particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall, with intense downpours occasionally resulting in temporary flooding in densely populated areas and on islands with limited drainage capacity.
Weather conditions can also affect domestic travel, particularly speedboat operations and other marine activities, even when winds are generally light.
Residents and travellers are therefore encouraged to follow official weather updates and remain aware of changing conditions, especially during thunderstorms.
The MET Office continues to monitor weather developments and may issue further advisories if rainfall intensifies or conditions deteriorate in particular regions.
With showers expected across the country over the next several days, the latest forecast points to another period of unsettled weather as the Maldives moves through the final months of the southwest monsoon season.
