Weekend weather: Rain clears; strong winds, rough seas to persist

Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has announced that although the rain may clear over the weekend, strong winds and rough seas are expected to persist. 

Last night, MET Office issued a Yellow Alert from HA atoll to Th atoll, predicting strong winds. The Yellow Alert has been extended again from 9am to 1:30pm today. 

A MET Office official stated that the winds are expected to be strongest today. Across the country, wind speeds are forecast at 25mph to 30mph, with gusts of 50mph. 

Although the rains may clear from tomorrow, windspeeds in northern and central Maldives is forecast at 15 to 25 mph, and seas are expected to be very rough. 

From Sunday onwards, windspeeds will decrease to 10 to 20mph, with the weather expected to improve. The adverse weather conditions are expected to cease by Thursday next week. 

Strongest winds yesterday were recorded in the Male' area. In Hulhule', where the Velana International Airport is located, gusts of 60mph were recorded yesterday. 

Heavy rains across the country have caused flooding and various levels of damage over the past days. 

Authorities urge the public to exercise caution, taking the weather into account when planning travel by sea.