Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a white alert over southern-most Maldives for the next five hours.

According to MET department, turbulent weather with heavy rain and thundershowers are expected over Gaaf Alif, Gaaf Dhaalu and Seenu atolls.

They also revealed that winds are estimated to gust 40 miles per hour during thunderstorms.

The meteorology office had issued the white alert from 05:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The department estimates heavy rain and thunderstorms to prevail over the country with surface winds varying between west / northwesterly, at 10 to 20 miles per hour in central and southern atolls and at 07 to 17 miles per hour in northern atolls. Winds may gust to 40 miles per hour during showers.

The office also reveals that seas are expected to be moderate becoming rough during showers.