Rainfall to cease starting Sunday; strong winds to persist

Maldives Metrological Service (Met Office) states rainfall in northern and central Maldives will cease from Sunday onwards, however, strong winds will likely persist.

Speaking with Sun on Thursday, an official from the Met Office said that the severe weather conditions the Maldives is presently battling will begin to improve starting from Friday.

As per the official, weather conditions in southern atolls are already improving. In this regard, the official stated that the southern atolls will only experience scattered rain over the next 24 hours.

“Rainfall is expected to diminish across all regions of the Maldives beginning Saturday. However, strong winds are likely to continue over the northern and central areas. These winds are anticipated to persist through Sunday, though with reduced intensity compared to today,” the official said.

As per weather statistics released by Met Office for the past 24 hours, Malé recorded the highest intensity winds, with an average speed of 28 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 56 miles per hour.

B. Dharavandhoo recorded the second highest intensity of winds with gust reaching up to 55 miles per hour. ADh. Maamagili recorded the third highest intensity of winds with guest reaching up to 51 miles per hour.

Notably, a yellow alert is in effect for northern and central atolls until 13:30pm this afternoon. The yellow alert issued from Haa Alifu Atoll to Thaa Atoll warns on strong winds between 25 to 30 miles per hour with gusts of 50 miles per hour and very rough seas.

Alert Yellow for strong winds of 25 – 30 mph and gusts of 50 mph with very rough seas. pic.twitter.com/jX978uDDDe

— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) October 23, 2025

Authorities have issued repeated advisories urging seafarers to remain cautious, especially in light of two recent marine accidents linked to rough weather:

• On Wednesday, October 15, a ferry capsized near K. Thulhaagiri, killing one Maldivian and two foreign nationals. The vessel, Almaak Fiya, was en route from Male' to K. Eriyadhoo when it overturned. Four crew members were rescued, one was found dead, and one remains missing.
• On Thursday, October 16, the cargo vessel Nasr sank 3.3 nautical miles south of Alhigaa while traveling from Male' to Naifaru. All five crew members were rescued by the MNDF and taken to Naifaru Hospital.