The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has issued a White Alert from Shaviyani atoll to Addu City from 14:00hrs onwards until 20:00hrs, forecasting heavy rain and thunderstorms. This was an extension of an earlier White Alert which lasted from 08:10hrs to 14:00hrs.

Inclement weather has been expected over the weekend, with the MET earlier issuing a Yellow Alert this morning from 9:30hrs to 13:00hrs from Baa atoll to Thaa atoll, expecting torrential rain and thunderstorms. 

Last Wednesday, a MET official stated that the next five days will see rainy conditions persist across the country. The highest rainfall is expected to be seen over this weekend, according to the official. 

Despite the rain, winds are expected to moderate and seas will also not be generally rough, although rougher conditions can be expected with squalls, the official added. 

In Maldives, the Northeast Monsoon (Iruvai Moosun) spans from January to March, while the Southwest Monsoon (Hulhan'gu) lasts from May through November. April and December are transitional periods.