MMS predicts intense monsoon activities over next five days

Squally monsoon activities have been expected to prevail for the next few days.

This was revealed by the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) in a briefing issued on Sunday.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, an official at MMS revealed that the weather is expected to be worst on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The official stressed that the southwest monsoon activities have intensified across Maldives and that they would continue to provide detailed weather updates, alongside other authorities like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

As southwest monsoon is currently active across the Maldives, strong to average winds of 15 – 25 miles per hour are expected to tear through northern and central atolls and 13 – 23 miles per hour in southern atolls, gusting up to 45 – 55 miles per hour over the course of the next five days.

Further, the department noted that heavy squally showers and thunderstorms will be experienced over the next five days.

In addition to this, wave surges are expected during high tides.

MMS has urged the public to exercise caution during this period, especially seafarers who are advised to refer to updates weather information before planning any trips.

The department issued a white alert from Haa Alif atoll to Thaa atoll after predicting heavy rain showers and thunderstorms, strong winds of 22 – 27 miles per hour with gusts of 45 miles per hour and rough seas expected across the region. The white alert was effective through 07:45pm. Another white alert was issued from Laamu atoll to southernmost Addu City effective through 07:45pm. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to prevail across these regions during this period, with guests of 45 miles per hour expected. A third white alert was issued all over the country until 01:30am, Monday, after predicting heavy rain showers and thunderstorms with strong winds of 19 - 24 miles per hour with gusts of 40 miles per hour and rough seas.

A yellow alert was also issued on Sunday afternoon, after predicting very rough seas and strong winds of 25 – 30 miles per hour and gusts of 45 miles per hour from Haa Alif to Laamu atoll.

Between 8am Saturday to 8am Sunday, Dhiffushi island of Kaafu atoll experienced 54.2 millimeters of rainfall, Kaadedhdhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll experienced 49.9 millimeters of rainfall, Maamigili island of Alif Dhaal atoll experienced 49.5 millimeters of rainfall, Thoddoo island of Alif Alif atoll experienced 48.8 millimeters of rainfall, and Ifuru island of Raa atoll experienced 47.5 millimeters of rainfall,

The country has been experiencing heavy rain showers and thunderstorms for the past few days and some islands including the capital city, experienced flooding.

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.