The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has issued a White Alert warning residents across northern and central atolls to brace for more adverse weather, as the southwest monsoon continues to intensify.
The alert, in effect from 6:15 AM to 12:00 PM today, covers regions from Haa Alif Atoll to Vaavu Atoll, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected to persist throughout the day. Wind speeds are forecasted to range between 19 and 24 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph in rain clouds, posing risks to sea travelers and coastal infrastructure.
According to the MET Office, seas across the northern and central atolls will remain rough, with wave heights between 5 and 7 feet. The southern atolls will also experience moderate to rough seas in rain clouds, with winds ranging from 8 to 18 mph and waves between 3 and 6 feet.
Over the past 24 hours, the highest rainfall was recorded in B. Dharavandhoo, which received 20.0 millimeters of rain.
The MET forecasts that widespread showers and thunderstorms will continue across the country for the next 24 hours, with the northern atolls likely to receive heavy rainfall. Winds in these regions will predominantly blow from the west to northwest, adding to the rough marine conditions.
The current weather disturbances are attributed to the active phase of the westerly monsoon, which is expected to ease gradually starting Thursday, offering a reprieve from the ongoing heavy weather.
The MET Office has urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against possible hazards, particularly in island communities prone to flooding, coastal erosion, or with vulnerable marine activities.
Stay tuned to official MET Office advisories and avoid non-essential sea travel until conditions improve.
