Weather to Worsen in Northern and Central Maldives Over Next 24 Hours

The Maldives Meteorological Office (Met Office) has warned that weather conditions will deteriorate in the northern and central parts of the country over the next 24 hours, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected. In an advisory issued today, the Met Office stated that several islands in the northern and central atolls will experience rainfall, with some areas likely to see heavy downpours accompanied by thunder. Winds from the west-southwest at speeds of 13 to 23 miles per hour are forecast for the northern and central atolls, while southern atolls will see lighter winds of 5 to 15 mph from the south and west-southwest. Gusts of up to 40 mph are possible in squalls. The Met Office also noted that a system named Kerry will affect the southern atolls. Seas in the northern and central regions are expected to become rough, while southern seas will remain moderate, becoming rough in squalls. A white alert has been issued from Shaviyani Atoll to Thaa Atoll, valid until 21:00 tonight.