MET has forecasted rough seas and strong winds for the next three days as the Southwest Monsoon intensifies with sea swells also expected in some regions. MET issued a Yellow Alert for most atolls in the country today, lasting shortly after sundown.
Maldives Meteorological Services (MET) has forecasted rough seas and strong winds for the next three days as the southwest monsoon, locally referred as the Hulhan'gu moosun further intensifies across the Maldives.
MET also issued a Yellow Alert today to atolls between Haa Alif, located in the northernmost region of the country to Thaa atoll in south Maldives from 14:30 hrs to 18:30 hrs.
This includes Haa Alif atoll, Haa Dhaalu atoll, Shaviyani atoll, Noonu atoll, Raa atoll, Lhaviyani atoll, Baa atoll, Alif Alif atoll, Kaafu atoll, Alif Dhaalu atoll, Vaavu atoll, Faafu atoll, Dhaalu atoll, Meemu atoll and Thaa atoll.
MET forecastes these regions to experience very rough seas with strong winds ranging from 28 mph to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph during this time.
Yellow Alert for strong winds and very rough seas over the northern and central atolls. pic.twitter.com/SR7j3Z8XMn
— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) May 21, 2024
MET forecasted earlier today that southern and central atolls in the country are typically expected to encounter strong winds, rough seas and scattered rain in the upcoming three days.
Strong winds up to 15 mph and 25 mph and rough seas are forecasted for this period with gusts ranging from 45 mph to 55 mph.
MET stated that sea swells may also affect some islands during high tide.
"Hence, all, particularly seafarers are advised to exercise caution during this period. Also, the public is advised take the necessary measures to minimize the impact and damage due to strong winds and possible heavy rain," the statement read.
Due to the active southwest monsoon over the Maldives area, strong winds, rough seas and heavy rain are expected in central and northern atolls. pic.twitter.com/R6BQn29FtW
— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) May 21, 2024
The rainy season typically begins during the first or second week of May for the southern atolls and extends to the central region, before taking effect across the entire country by the end of the May. The monsoon is expected to last until November.
MET had previously warned that the southwest monsoon is predicted to bring excessive rainfall for some regions in the country this year and urged people to take caution.
MET said that the northern and central regions of the Maldives are expected to experience heavier rainfall than usual during the upcoming months of July, August, and September, while the southern regions of the Maldives are expected to experience less rainfall than usual during this period.
The MET Office further anticipated that during this period, the maximum daytime and minimum overnight temperatures across all regions of the country will be higher than usual.
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