Kelaa experiences the highest rainfall recorded in 24 hours in a Maldivian island

Kelaa in Haa Alif atoll experienced heavy rain yesterday, breaking the record for the highest rainfall recorded within 24 hours in an island of Maldives.

A press released issued by Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) today stated that a large part of the Maldives had experienced heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds over the past three days. The highest amount of rainfall yesterday was recorded by the Automatic Weather Station in Haa Alif atoll Kelaa.

Kelaa experienced 231.5mm of rainfall yesterday.

The statement further said that this is the highest figure of rainfall recorded by an Automatic Weather Station to date.

The maximum gust wind was recorded yesterday in Faafu atoll Nilandhoo, at 46 miles per hour.

The most severe adverse weather conditions are currently observed in the northern atolls of Maldives. Yesterday, the MET Office issued a four hour Orange Alert from Haa Alif atoll to Shaviyani atoll. NDMA also received reports of flooding from multiple islands in the region.

Currently, there is a Yellow Alert issued to northern atolls until 13:00 hrs today, with torrential rain, thunderstorms and very rough seas with winds of 25 -30 miles per hour, and gusts of 50 miles per hour forecast.

The previous record of heaviest rainfall within 24 hours was recorded on November 24, 2015, when Seenu atoll Gan experience 228.4 mm of rainfall.

Capital Male' experienced the highest rainfall to date on December 5, 2018, with 223.5 mm rainfall recorded. Yesterday, Male' recorded 8.1 mm of rainfall.

Thunderstorms predicted for next 5 days

The MET Office, in its statement, cautioned that there will be widespread rain with thunderstorms across the Maldives in the coming five days as well.

Average winds over northern and central atolls are expected to be 17 - 27 miles per hour, with windspeeds at 13 - 23 miles per hour in southern atolls. Gust winds could reach up to 60 miles per hours, they said.

This forecasts rough seas, with increased intensity during rain showers.

The MET Office also warns that swell waves may surge during high tide.

They urged residents to exercise caution, with special emphasis on those travelling on seas.