The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has issued a white alert across regions expected to experience squally weather.

The advisory was issued on Friday afternoon and states that heavy rain showers and thunderstorms with winds gusting at 40 miles per hour are expected from Gaafu Alif to Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

The white alert is effective from 2pm to 6pm.

The general weather forecast from 10am Friday to 10am Saturday predicts scattered rain showers with a few thunderstorms over the entire country in the afternoon.

It is expected to be partly cloudy in the morning and a few showers are expected in the south.

Further, seas are expected to be moderate becoming rough during showers.

Surface winds will vary between southwest to westerly at 10 – 20 miles per hour in the north and central atolls and 8 - 18 miles per hour in the south.

Winds may gust to 35 miles per hour during showers.