The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a white alert from Faafu atoll to southernmost Addu City, after predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms to prevail across the region.

During the period between 9am to 01:30pm, torrential rain and thunderstorms are expected to prevail over the regions with gusty winds of 45 miles per hour.

The department predicts seas to be moderate becoming rough during showers throughout the country and scatters of rain with isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms to prevail over most parts. Heavy showers are expected over central and southern atolls.

In addition, surface winds are expected to vary between west to northwesterly at 10 – 20 miles per hour in the south and at 8 – 18 miles per hour elsewhere, with winds gusting 35 miles per hour during showers.

MET urged all individuals to be cautious of the adverse weather as swell wave surges are expected during high tide times over some islands, especially in the south.

As the monsoon season is upon the island nation, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has also urged the citizens to practice caution, especially with the wide-spreading Covid-19 virus across the country. Further, citizens have been urged to practice caution against influenza and dengue as well.