MET office has released a statement forecasting strong winds and rough seas due to heavy rain across all regions of the country as the southwest monsoon is likely to intensify, urging people to take caution.
Maldives Meteorological Services (MET) has forecasted heavy rainfall accompanied by rough seas and strong winds in all parts of Maldives as the southwest monsoon or 'Hulhan'gu Moosun' is expected to intensify from the evening of May 16.
In a press release, MET said that heavy rainfall and strong winds ranging from 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 to 50 miles per hour with rough seas, possible sea swells and scattered rain are expected for the next five days.
"Therefore, everyone, especially those travelling by sea are advised to exercise caution during this period. The public is advised to take necessary measures to minimize the impact and damage due to strong winds and possible heavy rain," the statement read.
This year's southwest monsoon had begun in the southern region of Maldives on May 10.
The rainy season is expected to begin in the southern region of the country by the first or second week of May, after which the southwest monsoon will gradually reach the atolls in central Maldives and is expected to be observed across the Maldives before the end of May.
MET had forecasted extreme rainfall in some regions of the country during the southwest monsoon this year as well.
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.