Intense weather ahead as new year approaches

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has stressed that the weather across the Maldives is expected to worsen as the New Year approaches.

MMS revealed that the weather is expected to deteriorate in central atolls as well as northern atolls for the next three days starting from Tuesday.

The weather department highlighted that the southern areas of the country will experience some rain. The weather department also noted that the weather is expected to worsen in the southernmost areas of the country from 2 January 2025.

Further, the Maldives Meteorological Service said that while the weather was generally moderate on Monday, some islands were affected by rain showers on Monday night. The department also noted that thunderstorms are possible.

The department said that winds will gust from the north and northeast at speeds between five and 15 miles per hour, and seas will be moderately calm.

Coinciding with the New Year and the school holidays, several families are traveling across the scatter of islands comprising the Maldives. The Maldives Meteorological Service has urged caution as winds may intensify, and seas may become rough while traveling.

During the past weekend's rain that affected the entire country, the capital Malé City experienced severe flooding. Some houses and shops were flooded, causing damage to property. In addition to this, some islands across outlying atolls also suffered immense damage.