Met: Maldives to see nationwide rain through Thursday

Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) stated on Wednesday that widespread rainfall is expected across much of the country through Thursday, with scattered showers likely to persist thereafter.

According to the Met Office, although this period typically represents the warmest time of the year in the Maldives, the prevailing rainfall is attributed to a developing cloud mass over the region. Despite these conditions, the office noted that perceived temperatures are expected to remain elevated.

The forecast indicates that the northern and central atolls will experience rain and thunderstorms today, with heavy downpours anticipated on some islands. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are also expected in parts of the Southern atolls.

With regard to wind conditions, the et Office stated that winds in the northern atolls will predominantly originate from the west and northwest at speeds ranging from three to 10 mph. In the central and southern atolls, winds are expected from the southwest and west at seven to 15 mph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 30 mph during periods of rainfall.

Sea conditions are forecast to be slight to moderate, becoming rough during squalls. Wave heights are estimated to range between two and five feet in the Central and Southern regions.

The Met Office had earlier cautioned that, with the onset of the Southwest Monsoon anticipated early next month, rainfall from mid-month onward may be accompanied by frequent lightning and thunderstorms.