A white alert has been issued from Gaaf Alif atoll to Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) issued the white alert due to adverse weather conditions, after sundown on Saturday.

As such, the department revealed that the white alert will be effective through 2am, Sunday.

The advisory states that heavy rain and thunderstorms with gusts of 45 miles per hour are expected across the region.

The department forecasts scattered showers, a few heavy showers and thunderstorms in southern atolls, over the next 24 hours. Further, isolated showers are likely in central atolls with generally fine weather expected in the north.

In addition to this, winds will be west to northwesterly at 13 – 23 miles per hour in the south, 5 – 15 miles per hour in other parts. Winds may also gust to 45 miles per hour during showers.

MMS revealed that seas will be rough in southern atolls and slight elsewhere, with a wave height of 4 – 7 feet in the south and 2 – 4 feet in central and northern atolls.

The department went on to reveal that swell wave surges are likely during high tides in 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 caused trees to uproot, roofs to be torn off, and heavy debris falling onto houses, causing immense damage. The squally weather during monsoon also causes extensive 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 alerts across the Maldives this monsoon season in light of the worsening weather conditions.