Met Office Issues Rain Alert as Maldives Faces Three Days of Heavy Showers

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has forecasted widespread rain across the country over the next three days.

Met Office explained that this period marks the transitional phase between the two monsoons, which typically brings rainfall.

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Weather update. pic.twitter.com/kyWiQDZad2— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) November 18, 2024

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert from Baa Atoll to Vaavu Atoll until 13:00 today, warning of torrential rain, thunderstorms, gusts of up to 45 miles per hour, and rough seas in the region.

A white alert is in effect from Vaavu Atoll to Addu City until 13:00 today, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected throughout the period. Heavy rainfall this morning led to flooding on the streets of Malé, the capital.

The combination of the monsoon transition and a low-level circulation over the Maldives has caused widespread rainfall, with intermittent heavy showers and thunderstorms over the past 24 hours. 

The highest recorded rainfall was 110.6mm at Addu City Hithadhoo, according to the Automated Weather Station (AWS). The Met Office forecasts that heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue for the next three days. The public is urged to exercise caution during this period.

MMS categorises weather alerts as follows:

• White alert: Alert Level 1
• Yellow advisory: Alert Level 2
• Orange warning: Alert Level 3
• Red warning: Alert Level 4