Maldives Meteorological Services (Met Office) has issued a white alert for central and southern atolls.

The alert, issued at 11:05 am on Sunday, is valid until 4 pm.

Met Office said that heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the region, with wind gusts of 40 mph.

While scattered rain with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms are to be experienced in central and southern atolls, Met Office predicts isolated showers and a few thunderstorms in northern atolls on Sunday afternoon.

It said that surface winds will be north-easterly at 13 to 20 miles per hour between Noonu and Thaa atoll, and five to 15 miles per hour over the rest of the country. Winds will vary between west and north-westerly in southern atolls, north-east and easterly in northern most atolls, said the Met Office, adding that winds may gust 35 miles per hour during showers.

Seas are expected to be rough in the area between Noonu and Thaa atolls, and slightly moderate over the rest of the country.

Met Office advises to take ‘necessary precautions’ for heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas.