Seas expected to be strong in central Maldives on Monday night

The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a white alert for strong winds and rough seas in the central region of the country on Monday night.

The alert is in effect from Noonu Atoll to Meemu Atoll, valid from 19:30 hrs on January 5 to 01:30 hrs on January 6.

According to the Met Office, winds in the alert zone are expected to range between 19 and 24 mph, with rough sea conditions forecast.

Elsewhere, weather is expected to be generally calm, though some areas may experience showers. Winds are forecast to range between 5 and 15 mph in the northern atolls, 13 to 23 mph in the central atolls, and 10 to 20 mph in the southern atolls.

The Met Office said seas will be strong in the central region, moderately strong in the south, and moderately calm in the north.

With schools closed for the holidays, many people are travelling across the country. Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious of changing weather conditions when making such trips.