MMS warns of strong winds as two circulations form in far north, south of Maldives, wave surges likely

Two circulations have formed in the far north and south of Maldives, reports the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS).

An official at the weather department revealed that adverse affects of the ongoing monsoon are wreaking havoc across the Maldives, and that two circulations have formed in the far north and south of Maldives.

Stressing that strong to average winds and gust winds were experienced across northern and central atolls over the past four days, MMS noted that the strongest gusts recorded were 55 miles per hour on October 9 at 11:10pm, in Dharavandhoo island of Baa atoll, and 58 miles per hour at 05:40am and 61 miles per hour at 10:46am in Hulhulé on Thursday morning.

Further, Maldives has also been experiencing squally thundershowers, which have caused severe flooding across some parts.

The department reported that the heaviest rainfall was recorded in Fuvahmulah City on October 8. The city experienced 120 millimeters of rainfall.

Warning that adverse weather is expected to prevail across most parts through Monday, MMS said that strong to average winds of 15 – 25 miles per hour are expected with fairly widespread rain and occasional squally thundershowers in northern and central atolls.

Average winds of 10 – 20 miles per hour with isolated squally thundershowers are expected in southern atolls.

The department highlighted that gusts of up to 45 – 55 miles per hour are expected across the entire country.

Wave surges are also possible in surge-prone areas during high tides.

MMS has urged caution from everyone, especially seafarers, who are advised to consult updated weather information before planning any trips.

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).

The department has been issuing a number of alerts, both white and yellow, due to the worsening weather conditions. Early Friday, a white alert was issued from Haa Alif atoll to Faafu atoll for heavy rain with gusts of 45 miles per hour. Another one was issued for strong winds of 19 – 24 miles per hour and gusts of 40 miles per hour and rough seas from Haa Alif atoll to Gaaf Alif atoll.

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

Although tides were recorded as high as 1.8 feet in the early hours of Friday, it rose to 1.4 by afternoon and will drop to 0.2 by nightfall on Saturday in northern atolls.

Central atolls experienced tides rising as high as 1.6 in the early hours of Friday, rising to 1.2 by morning and dropping to 0.5 by nightfall. Tides will rise to 1.6 feet in the early hours of Saturday before dropping to one by dawn.

The department revealed that southern atolls will experience tides dropping from 1.8 to 0.9 by the end of Friday and ascending to 1.9 feet by Saturday morning.

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 wave surges during high tides as well.