Maldives Meteorological Service (MET Office) has issued a countrywide White Alert expecting heavy rain and other adverse weather conditions. 

A White Alert was issued from Haa Alif Atoll to Addu at 9:30am today, and lasts until 2pm. 

MET Office forecasts heavy rain showers and thunderstorms. Gusts of wind are expected to reach 40mph. 

The low level circulation formed across Maldives coinciding with the end of Hulhan'gu (Southwest) Monsoon and approach of Iruvai (Northeast) Monsoon has been causing adverse weather conditions across the country. Several islands are facing heavy rainfall and severe flooding. 

The rains have been persisting since Thursday last week. The most recent data publicized by the MET Office show that the heaviest rainfall over the past 24 hours was recorded in S. Gan, at 100.5mm.

The second highest rainfall was seen in GDh. Thinadhoo, at 87.6mm, followed by 80.9mm in Hithadhoo, Addu. 

A MET Office official stated that the adverse weather conditions are expected to persist in northern atolls even up to Thursday. In central and southern atolls, the conditions will remain unchanged till Wednesday, they added. 

From then on, the adverse weather conditions are expected to gradually ease. 

Despite the rough weather conditions, several families are travelling these days as it has fallen on the mid-term school break. Schools are set to reopen next Sunday. 

This weekend, seas are expected to be moderately rough, the official said.