Weather expected to improve from Wednesday ahead of 4-day holiday

The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has forecast an improvement in weather conditions from Wednesday, ahead of a four-day holiday marking Republic Day.

Rain has affected much of the Maldives since Friday, with continuous rainfall causing flooding in several islands, particularly in the central and southern atolls.

According to the Met Office, unsettled weather is expected to continue over the next 24 hours, with conditions likely to worsen on Sunday.

However, an official from the Met Office said the current spell of rainy weather was expected to ease from Wednesday.

"We expect the rainy weather to ease from Wednesday," the official said.

The forecast comes as residents prepare for a four-day holiday beginning on Wednesday.

Wednesday will be a public holiday to mark Republic Day, while the government has also declared Thursday a holiday in conjunction with the occasion.

Combined with the regular Friday and Saturday weekend, the arrangement will provide a four-day break, with some residents preparing to travel during the period.

The Met Office said weather conditions would remain unfavourable across the central and southern atolls over the next three days, with rough seas also expected.

However, sea conditions in the northern atolls are expected to become calmer during the same period.