A white alert has been issued from Thaa atoll to Addu City.

Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) issued the white alert from Thaa atoll to the southernmost city due to due to adverse weather conditions.

The department revealed that the white alert will be effective through 2am, Saturday.

The advisory states that heavy rain and thunderstorms, strong winds of 19 – 24 miles per hour with gusts of 40 miles per hour and rough seas are expected across the region.

The department forecasts scaterred showers and a few thunderstorms over the country over the next 24 hours. Further, isolated heavy showers are likely in central and southern atolls.

In addition to this, winds will be southwest to westerly at 13 – 23 miles per hour in the south, 8 – 18 miles per hour in central atolls and 3 – 13 miles per hour in northern atolls. Winds may also gust to 45 miles per hour during showers.

MMS revealed that seas will be rough in southern atolls, moderate becoming rough during showers in central atolls and slight in the north with a wave height of 4 – 7 feet in central and southern atolls, 2 – 4 feet in the north.

The department went on to reveal that swell wave surges are likely during high tides in central and southern atolls.

All, particularly seafarers in central and southern atolls are advised to be cautious.

As Maldives is currently in its southwest monsoon, the weather remains rainy, with a few thunderstorms and strong winds. Some islands have been experiencing swell wave surges during high tides as well as flooding due to the heavy rain fall.

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.

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 crop 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.

The meteorological department has been issuing several white and yellow alerts across the Maldives this monsoon season in light of the worsening weather conditions.