The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has launched a new website and an upgraded version of its Moosun weather app, putting live forecasts and weather warnings in the hands of the public.
Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef officially launched both services at a ceremony held today. The project was developed together with UNDP Maldives.
The app and website bring real-time weather updates, tide information and sea conditions together in one place. Urgent weather warnings are sent straight to users’ phones through push notifications.
All information is available in both Dhivehi and English.
The services are designed for the general public, sea travellers and anyone planning outdoor activities, so that people across the country get early warnings for their area faster.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shareef said the new app was built with modern technology and would become an even more complete platform than international apps such as Windy.
He said he had worked closely with the team to create a platform that is easy to use and gives accurate information. He added that work to improve weather services, guided by public feedback, will continue.
UNDP Resident Representative Adnan Cheema stressed the importance of an early warning system that everyone can easily access.
The ceremony also included a demonstration of the technical infrastructure behind the services and how weather data is brought together.
The launch comes as the Met Office has issued a yellow alert for the atolls from Haa Dhaalu to Lhaviyani, with heavy rain and thunder forecast.
The new Met Office website is live from today, and the updated Moosun app can now be downloaded on iOS and Android.
