Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Battling the storm: A boat navigates through rough seas under ominous skies. Photo: TMJ
Maldives Meteorological Service has extended a yellow alert for the region spanning HA. Atoll to ADh. Atoll until 3:00 PM today, following an earlier alert issued at 7:00 AM. The alert highlights ongoing adverse weather conditions as the nation transitions from the Hulhangu (southwest) monsoon to the Iruvai (northeast) monsoon.
The Meteorological Service attributes the turbulent weather to low-pressure circulations across the Maldives. A low-pressure system is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal today, expected to move toward Tamil Nadu, India, within two days. Simultaneously, another low-pressure area is anticipated to develop in the far south of the Maldives later this week, moving westward.
The combined effects of these systems are forecasted to result in strong winds beginning Wednesday, persisting for five days.
Key projections from the Maldives Meteorological Service include:
Winds:
- Southern and central atolls: 17–27 mph.
- Northern atolls: 13–23 mph.
Sea conditions:
- Rough in northern atolls.
- Very rough in central and southern atolls.
Additional risks:
- Squally thundershowers with gusts of 40–55 mph.
- Swell waves in southern and central atolls.
The alert comes as schools prepare to close for the year-end holidays on Thursday, a period marked by increased domestic and international travel.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has urged residents and especially seafarers to remain vigilant, follow safety precautions, and stay updated with weather advisories to ensure their safety.