MET warns of haze, reduced visibility for 4 days

Maldives Meteorological Service on Monday advised the public to exercise caution when going outdoors due to haze conditions expected to persist for four days.

The Met Office said the haze is affecting both the northern and southern parts of the Maldives. It said visibility in some areas has dropped below three kilometres and that northeast winds are likely to sustain the haze over the country during this period.

The service advised people engaged in outdoor activities and those at sea to take necessary precautions.

Data from the air quality monitoring system at the Center for Maritime Studies in Villingili showed an air quality index reading of 125, which falls under the orange alert category, indicating unhealthy air conditions.

The Met Office said the highest air pollution levels in recent months were recorded last month, when visibility dropped below two kilometres.

In its weather forecast for Monday, the Met Office said showers with thundershowers are expected in parts of the central and southern atolls, with periods of heavy rain in some southern areas. Weather conditions in the northern atolls are expected to be relatively stable.

According to the Met Office, winds in the northern and central atolls will be from the northeast and east at speeds of five to 15 miles per hour, while winds in the southern atolls will be from the west and northwest. Wind speeds may reach up to 35 miles per hour during showers.

Sea conditions are expected to be moderate, with wave heights ranging between two and five feet. The Met Office said heavy rain could affect sea conditions during periods of showers.

The Met Office said unsettled weather conditions have been observed since Sunday and that a white alert was issued on Monday for heavy rain between atolls from Kaafu Atoll to Addu City.