Monsoon showers expected to intensify, rough seas predicted for next few days
Swell surges are also expected
Rough seas are expected over the next five days
Southwest monsoon conditions are likely to intensify across the Maldives over the next five days.
This was revealed by the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) on Wednesday.
As such, the department revealed that southwest monsoon is expected to intensify starting from the evening of May 16.
During this period, strong winds of 15 – 25 miles per hour with gusts of 45 – 50 miles per hour are expected nationwide.
Further, MMS warned that seas will be rough and that swell waves are possible during high tides.
Scattered rain showers are also predicted to prevail across the island nation for the next five days.
With this, the department has advised all, particularly seafarers to exercise caution during this period.
The public has also been urged to take the necessary measures to minimize the possible impact and damage due to strong winds and possible heavy rain showers.
Due to the squally weather, the department has been issuing a number of alerts over the past couple of days. Further, an orange alert was also recently issued for torrential rain, thunderstorms and possible flooding.
The alert comes among a number of alerts both white and yellow, being issued throughout the country as the island nation continues to experience strong monsoon activities, wreaking havoc in their wake, across the country. MMS has also warned of possible swell waves during high tide times, across a vast region.
Between 8am Tuesday and 8am Wednesday, Maamigili island in Alif Dhaal atoll experienced torrential rain, with 73 millimeters of rainfall.
Due to the heavy rainfall, some islands experienced flooding as well.
Makunudhoo island in Haa Dhaal atoll experienced 60.9 millimeters of rainfall, Dhiffushi island in Kaafu atoll experienced 55.2 millimeters of rainfall, Maavah island in Laamu atoll experienced 31.7 millimeters of rainfall, Funadhoo island in Shaviyani atoll experienced 30.2 millimeters of rainfall, Nilandhoo island in Faafu atoll experienced 29.3 millimeters of rainfall and Maafaru island in Noonu atoll experienced 21.6 millimeters of rainfall.
Further, 14.3 millimeters of rainfall was experienced in Komandoo island of Shaviyani atoll, 12.7 millimeters of rainfall was experienced in Alifushi island in Raa atoll, 10.4 millimeters of rainfall was experienced in Thoddoo island in Alif Alif atoll, 9.2 millimeters of rainfall was experienced in Muli island of Meemu atoll, 6.4 millimeters of rainfall was experienced in Hanimaadhoo island of Haa Dhaal atoll and 6.1 millimeters of rainfall was experienced in Gan district of southernmost Addu City.
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.
