Maldives Meteorological Service warns of worsening weather and heavy rain over next five days

The Maldives Meteorological Service has urged caution as weather across the country is set to worsen over the coming five days, with heavy rain expected in the central and southern islands. The authority said the effects of rain will persist in the northern islands over the next five days, though the weather in the north will begin to clear over the coming days. Rain will still occur in the central and southern islands. In its forecast for the next 24 hours, the Meteorological Service said rain will occur in various areas, with heavy rain and thunder possible on some islands. Winds will blow from the south and south-west at speeds between 5 and 15 miles per hour and could strengthen to about 35 miles per hour in squalls. Seas will be generally slight and become generally rough in squalls. The authority also reported rainfall totals from 8:00am on Wednesday to 8:00am on Thursday: 84.3 millimetres fell on B. Thulhaadhoo, 64.5 millimetres at Ifuru Airport, 42.8 millimetres on B. Goedhoo and 38.6 millimetres on K. Gaafaru. As the south-west monsoon strengthens and weather across the Maldives has worsened, the relevant authorities have asked all parties to be cautious. Seafarers in particular have been requested not to go to sea without checking the weather before departing.