The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has issued a severe weather alert, forecasting harsh conditions from Wednesday through Friday. The alert comes at a particularly busy time, as many residents from Malé are travelling to the outer islands to celebrate the Eid al-Adha holidays, while others are heading to the capital for the holiday season.
The Met Office’s latest five-day weather bulletin outlines scattered showers and thunderstorms across the northern and central atolls, with isolated showers expected to continue in the southern atolls during the same period. Wind speeds are predicted to range from 8 to 18 miles per hour, potentially surging to 35 to 40 miles per hour during showers.Seas are anticipated to remain moderate under normal conditions but could turn rough during showers, according to the Met Office.
The severe weather warning is particularly relevant due to increased sea travel associated with the Eid holidays, prompting caution for seafarers to remain vigilant of evolving conditions. The alert follows a series of incidents at sea during similar rough weather in the recent past, with engine failures being among the most frequently reported issues.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging seafarers to adhere to maritime safety regulations. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and other relevant agencies have intensified inspections of vessels, ensuring compliance with the maritime safety regulations during this peak travel period.