El-Nino intensifies, pushing Maldives temperatures higher; HPA issues heat alert

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a public advisory urging people to take precautions as temperatures continue to rise across the Maldives.

Late last month, the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) reported that El Nino conditions are intensifying, with the agency closely monitoring the developing situation. El Nino refers to large-scale global climate shifts that happen every two to seven years, driven by warming sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

A Met Office official told Sun on Tuesday that temperatures in the Maldives are expected to remain above normal due to warmer sea conditions linked to El Nino. Temperatures in Male' reached 33°C at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, according to the agency.

Temperatures are on the rise! ☀️

High heat can lead to serious health impacts like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Swipe through to learn the key warning signs and what steps to take in an emergency! pic.twitter.com/hKgE4JjJS3

— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) September 8, 2026

HPA’s advisory notes that high temperatures can lead to eye irritation, fatigue, excessive sweating, dehydration, dizziness, and heat rash. The agency urges the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or fainting. People with heart, lung, or kidney conditions are advised to seek urgent care if their symptoms worsen during hot periods.

Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness, occurring when the body’s temperature rises to 40°C or higher and loses its ability to cool itself. It is a medical emergency requiring rapid treatment. Symptoms include hot, red skin, a body temperature above 40°C, rapid heartbeat, and fainting.

HPA advises moving anyone showing these symptoms to a shaded or air-conditioned area, loosening clothing, and calling emergency services for immediate assistance.

The Met Office had forecast in August that temperatures would remain above normal for three months: August, September and October.