The Maldives Meteorology Service (Met Office) has issued a white alert over the country following prediction of heavy rains and thunderstorms over most of the country.

The meteorology department issued a white alert from 02:00pm to 07:00pm on Wednesday between Haa Alif and Gaaf Dhaal atolls.

Scattered rain is expected over most of the country for the next 24 hours with heavy showers and thunderstorms over some atolls.

According to the Met office, surface winds will vary between south-west to westerly at 7-15 miles per hour in southern atolls and west to north-westerly at 5 - 13 miles per hour elsewhere.

Winds may gust 35 miles per hour during showers and seas are expected to be slight becoming moderate during showers over the country.