Wave surges predicted across northern, central atolls over next 36 hours

Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has revealed that rough seas and wave surges are predicted in northern and central atolls, during the next 36 hours.

The department revealed that strong winds, rough seas and the possibility of wave surges are expected in northern and central atolls during the next 36 hours, due to adverse southwest monsoon conditions prevailing over the entire Maldives currently.

MMS went on to reveal that scattered rain with isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms are also expected over the country during this period.

Due to the possibility of very rough seas, the department has urged all, particularly seafarers in northern and central atolls, to be vigilant.

Further, MMS also issued two white alerts on Thursday, in the face of the adverse weather conditions.

The advisory issued on Thursday states that heavy rain showers and thunderstorms with winds gusting at 45 miles per hour are expected from Vaavu atoll to Gaaf Dhaal atoll from 9am to 3pm.

The second white alert was issued from Haa Alif atoll to Alif Dhaal atoll, after predicting strong winds of 22 – 27 miles per hour with gusts of 45 miles per hour and rough seas across the region. The white alert will be effective through 5pm.

In light of the worsening weather conditions, the department has been issuing a number of white and yellow alerts across the Maldives this monsoon season, with two yellow alerts issued from Haa Alif atoll to Alif Dhaal atoll most recently on Wednesday.

The department forecasts scattered rain with a few heavy showers and thunderstorms over the country, with winds predicted from southwest to westerly at 10 – 20 miles per hour over the southern atolls and west to northwesterly at 15 – 25 miles per hour elsewhere.

MMS revealed that winds may gust to 45 miles per hour during showers.

In addition to this, seas will be moderate becoming rough during showers in southern atolls and generally rough elsewhere.

The department has also urged seafarers to remain alert in event of the worsening weather condition, with a wave height of four to seven feet is expected during showers.

At a time the department has urged caution over the squally weather conditions, the National Disaster Management Authority has also urged caution for seafarers and instructed individuals to pay special attention to safety precautions when travelling at sea. Seafarers have been urged to ensure their safety gear and communications work properly before beginning their journeys.

MMS predicts heavy rainfall across the Maldives through June, July, August and September this year.

With Maldives currently in southwest monsoon, the weather remains occasionally rainy, with a few thunderstorms.

Some islands have been experiencing swell waves surges during high tides as well.