Met Office: Weather to improve in Maldives as Bay of Bengal depression intensifies

The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has stated that although the depression formed in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a storm by Monday, weather conditions in the Maldives are forecast to improve as the system strengthens and moves away.

Despite the ongoing Southwest Monsoon bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to parts of Kaafu and Lhaviyani Atolls on Sunday, the Met Office forecasts generally fair weather across the country over the next three days, beginning tomorrow.

Speaking with Sun on the impact of the intensifying system, a Met Office official explained that weather conditions in the northern and central atolls would continue to improve as the depression develops into a cyclone. The official further noted that no extreme weather conditions or significant damage are anticipated in the coming days.

However, the Met Office expects scattered showers tonight, with heavy rainfall possible on some islands.

From tomorrow onwards, the northern and central regions may experience isolated showers, while some continued rainfall is expected in the southern atolls.

Wind speeds over the next two to three days are generally expected to range between 13 and 20 mph. Given the forecast for rain in some areas tonight, the Met Office has urged everyone, particularly seafarers, to remain cautious and stay informed about weather conditions.

The recent heavy rainfall has already caused varying degrees of damage in Lh. Hinnavaru, where floodwaters entered several homes.

Met Office had earlier issued a Yellow Alert from 14:00pm to 18:00pm today for the region between Shaviyani and Alif Dhaalu Atolls, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Authorities continue to advise caution during sea travel due to the prevailing weather conditions.