Met Office: Nationwide rain during the weekend, weather to improve starting Sunday

Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has forecasted that the adverse weather conditions will continue through the upcoming weekend, with an improvement in weather expected from Sunday onwards.

According to the national weather service, rain is expected across several parts of the country over the next 24 hours. The northern and central atolls are likely to be the most affected, with some islands expected to experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Winds in the central and northern atolls are forecast to reach speeds of 13 to 23 mph, with gusts potentially reaching around 40 mph during showers. Seas in these areas are expected to remain moderately rough.

Meanwhile, the southern atolls are expected to experience lighter winds of between 5 and 15 mph, resulting in generally slight seas. However, the Met office warned that seas across the country could become rough during squalls.

Wave heights are forecast to range between two and four feet in the southern atolls, while waves in the northern and central regions could reach between four and seven feet.

The Met Office further stated that although rain is expected tomorrow afternoon and evening, weather conditions are likely to improve by Sunday. While occasional showers may continue from Sunday onwards, wind speeds across the country are expected to decrease considerably.

During periods of adverse weather and rough seas, the Met office, Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), and Maldives Police Service routinely advise the public to avoid unnecessary maritime travel.

Seafarers are advised to closely monitor weather alerts before setting out and ensure that all safety equipment, including life jackets and communication systems, is in proper working condition. Vessel operators are also urged not to exceed passenger or cargo capacity and to exercise additional caution when travelling at night.

In the event of a maritime emergency, the public is advised to immediately contact the MNDF Coast Guard through the toll-free number 191.