Maldives Air Quality Declines to ‘Moderate’ Amid Northeast Monsoon

The National Meteorological Agency (Met Office) has reported a “moderate” level of air quality in the northern and central regions of the Maldives, attributing the decline to the onset of the northeast monsoon.

Changes in wind direction during this seasonal shift have brought dust and debris from the Indian subcontinent, affecting visibility and air quality.

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The Met Office has advised individuals with respiratory or lung conditions to take precautions, including wearing masks when outdoors.

MMS further explained that air pollution during this period poses heightened risks to those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. 

Air quality monitoring applications corroborate the rise in pollution levels, which the Met Office attributes to seasonal weather patterns. Factors such as snowfall and cloud activity around the Himalayas also influence air quality in the Maldives, particularly from November to March.

The agency predicts that air quality will improve with the return of sunnier weather but warns that the effects of seasonal air pollution may persist, especially in the northern and central regions during the monsoon period.