Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has issued a warning against strong winds and rough seas, during the ongoing rainy season, urging individuals, particularly seafarers, to exercise cautionary measures. It forecasts that some islands will experience heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms.
According to the Met Office, strong gusts of wind and turbulent seas are anticipated until sunset. As such, atolls situated in the north and central region are expected to experience winds from the west and southwest are expected to range between 17 and 27 mph. Atolls located in the southern region are expected to experience wind speeds ranging from 10 to 20 mph, while gusts of wind are forecasted to vary between ranging 45 mph to 55 mph in the clouds.
As strong winds are forecasted, the Met Office has warned against rough seas nationwide. It stated that the sea level is expected to rise for the northern and central region, between three and six feet. Hence, the Met Office urged all individuals, especially seafarers, to be cautious due to the unfavourable weather conditions, and seek the latest weather updates before travelling. It further advised individuals to take precautions beforehand, to mitigate the damage caused by the adverse weather conditions.
Furthermore, the Met Office disclosed that the average and maximum wind speeds recorded over the past 24 hours, indicate that the strongest winds, reaching 65 mph, were recorded in Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll. Wind speeds across Male' City, Kaafu Atoll, were recorded at 56 mph while Gaafaru, Kaafu Atoll followed with winds recorded at 52 mph.
While the Maldives has been experiencing adverse weathers in various periods, the current weather patterns are attributable to the southwest monsoon. The Met Office expects the weather conditions to improve from October 14 onwards.