Maldives Still Waiting for Monsoon; Squalls Could Bring 45mph Winds: MET

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has said the monsoon has still not set in, while warning that winds within squalls could reach about 45 miles per hour. In its forecast valid until 18:00 today, MET said thundershowers are likely in scattered areas across the Maldives. Winds of 13 to 23 mph are expected in the north and central Maldives, while the southern atolls can expect winds of 5 to 15 mph. Squalls could bring stronger gusts of about 45 mph, the weather office cautioned. The seas north and central of the Maldives are expected to be rough, while the southern seas will be moderately calm, turning moderate during squalls. Wave heights of 4 to 7 feet are expected in the northern and central atolls, and 2 to 5 feet in the southern atolls. According to MET records, between 08:00 yesterday and the same time today, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, which received 188.3 millimetres of rain, followed by Hanimaadhoo in the same atoll with 125.7 millimetres. Over the past 24 hours, the strongest winds within squalls were recorded in Maamigili in Alif Dhaal Atoll, where winds reached 46 mph. MET has urged all parties to pay attention to the weather conditions.