Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has denied reports that storm has formed near the country.

In a notice sent out via its official twitter account on Monday night, the office said that the satellite images and related information circulating around social media is from the depression that had formed in November 2017.

Despite the current unfavourable weather conditions, MET Office assured that there is no threat of a storm forming in the area.

Noting that such information is closely related to the safety of the people, the office urged to refrain from spreading such false information.

While the Maldives experience two seasons, based on the monsoons, the North East monsoon (Iruvai) period lasts from December to April, the South West monsoon (Hulhangu) season is from May till October. Noting that the adverse weather conditions are due to the changing monsoons, MET Office said that heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in central and southern atolls, for the next 24 hours.