Severe weather conditions hit Maldives; heavy haze expected to affect northern and central atolls over the next four days, public urged to remain vigilant
Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected across the Maldives over the next 24 hours, with heavy downpours likely in parts of the central and southern atolls while conditions remain relatively fair in the north. Meanwhile, significant haze continues to affect the country, particularly the northern and central regions, where air quality in certain areas has deteriorated to levels that pose serious health risks.
Air quality deteriorates in the Greater Male' Area | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
The Maldives Meteorological Service has warned of deteriorating weather conditions across the Maldives over the next 24 hours, with heavy haze expected to significantly affect the northern and central atolls for the next four days.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecasted widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country over the next 24 hours. The national weather office stated that while heavy downpours are expected in parts of the central and southern atolls, weather conditions in the north are projected to remain favorable.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has stated that winds are expected to prevail from the northeast and east at speeds between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 35 mph during squalls. Seas are forecasted to be slight to moderate, becoming moderately rough during squalls, with wave heights expected to range between 2 and 4 feet.
Furthermore, a white alert has been issued from Kaafu Atoll to Addu City, effective from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has noted that haze is affecting various regions of the country, particularly the northern and central atolls, with visibility reportedly dropping below 3 kilometers. The office further stated that the hazy conditions are expected to persist across the Maldives for the next four days.
According to IQAir, a global air quality monitoring platform, the air quality index (AQI) in Malé has reached 118, triggering an orange alert. In Villingili, the air quality has deteriorated further to a level of 158, placing it under a red alert. Additionally, Kulhudhuffushi City is currently under an orange alert with an AQI of 115. Meanwhile, Shaviyani Funadhoo recorded an AQI of 63, which corresponds to a yellow alert level.
Consequently, the Maldives Meteorological Service and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have urged those engaged in outdoor activities to exercise caution.
