Adverse monsoon conditions expected across northern, central atolls

Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has revealed that adverse weather conditions are expected across some parts of Maldives in the next few days.

The department revealed this in the late hours of Wednesday.

As such, MMS revealed that strong winds, rough seas and heavy rain showers are expected mostly in northern and central atolls during the next four days, due to strong southwest monsoon conditions across the Maldives.

With this being said, the department has urged everyone, especially seafarers to be cautious.

The department has also urged seafarers to remain alert in the event of worsening weather condition.

Maldives experiences heavy rain showers and adverse weather conditions during the southwest monsoon as well as the northeast monsoon.

Extensive periods of strong winds and adverse weather conditions are usually experienced mostly during the southwest monsoon.

The meteorological department has been issuing a number of white and yellow alerts across the Maldives this monsoon season in light of the worsening weather conditions. Several were issued over the past 24 hours.

As such, a white alert was issued across the entire country early Thursday, after predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms with gusts of 45 miles per hour.

Another white alert was issued hours later, for swell wave surges across the country. This was followed by another white alert from Haa Alif atoll to Laamu atoll early Thursday, for strong winds of 19 – 24 miles per hour and rough seas.

At the break of dawn, the department issued a yellow alert from Baa atoll to Dhaalu atoll, after predicting torrential rain and thunderstorms with gusts of 45 miles per hour. A second yellow alert was issued nearing afternoon, across the region between Shaviyani and Dhaalu atolls which experienced torrential rain showers and thunderstorms. Currently, a white alert and yellow alert are effective in some parts as well.

Such adverse weather conditions have been causing trees to uproot, roofs to tear off homes and trees as well as debris falling onto houses over the years. The squally weather during monsoon also causes damage to crops in some islands and presents challenges for seafarers and fishermen as well. Some islands have been experiencing swell waves surges during high tides as well.

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 communication equipment work properly, before beginning their journeys.

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