Met Office forecasts nationwide rainy weather for Sunday

The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has forecast adverse weather conditions across the Maldives on Sunday, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected in several areas.

Accordingly, a nationwide white alert has been issued, warning of heavy rain, which will remain in effect until 14:00pm this afternoon. Met Office has forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms with gusts of 40 miles per hour across the country during the alert.

According to the daily forecast valid until 18:00pm this evening, rain is expected across most parts of the country, while some islands may experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning.

Winds in the central and northern atolls are forecast to blow from the West and North-West, while the southern atolls are expected to experience winds from the South-West and West, at speeds ranging from 13 to 23 miles per hour. Wind gusts could reach around 40 miles per hour during showers.

Sea conditions are expected to remain rough, with wave heights expected between five and seven feet. In light of these conditions, the Met Office has urged citizens and travelers to exercise caution.

In terms of rainfall recorded over the past 24 hours, Gan in Addu Atoll registered the highest precipitation at 100.5 mm. GDh. Thinadhoo recorded the second-highest amount at 87.6 mm, followed by Hithadhoo in Addu Atoll with 80.9 mm.

Met Office and other relevant authorities have stressed the need to take appropriate safety measures throughout the period of adverse weather.