Weather systems over Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal bring heavy rain to Maldives

The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has attributed the heavy rainfall affecting the country to cloud formations associated with weather systems over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, warning that rain, strong winds and rough seas are expected to continue until Saturday.

Weather conditions have deteriorated across the Maldives over the past two days, with continuous rainfall causing flooding in Malé and several islands, particularly in the central and southern atolls.

According to the Met Office, the weather systems have strengthened the southwest monsoon over the Maldives, bringing rain-bearing clouds from the west across the atolls.

The agency said heavy rainfall was expected to continue on Thursday, while sea conditions were also forecast to deteriorate.

Strong winds and rough seas are expected from Thursday until the end of Saturday, with the northern and central atolls likely to experience the strongest conditions.

The Met Office has advised people travelling by sea to check the latest weather forecasts and alerts before departure.

Rainfall records from Wednesday showed that GA. Gemanafushi and the Greater Malé area received some of the highest amounts of rain in the country.

Gemanafushi recorded 101.8 millimetres of rainfall, while Hulhulé received 90.3 millimetres and Malé recorded 90 millimetres.

The rainfall caused flooding in parts of the capital and several islands, disrupting daily activities.

An orange weather alert was issued on Wednesday night for Malé and three nearby atolls, warning of heavy rainfall and rough seas.

The Met Office has urged the public, particularly those undertaking sea journeys, to remain informed of weather developments as the unsettled conditions continue.