Southwest Monsoon to Strengthen Across Maldives, Heavy Showers and Thunderstorms Expected

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has warned that the southwest monsoon is likely to strengthen over the Maldives, bringing periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms and stronger winds across the country over the next three days.

According to a Weather News Brief issued on September 10, intense convection is expected on September 11, 12 and 13, with rain and occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms forecast across the Maldives.

Winds are expected to generally blow from the southwest to west at 5–15 mph in the southern atolls, while 15–22 mph winds are expected elsewhere. Gusts could reach up to 40 mph during showers.

Sea conditions are also expected to deteriorate. Seas are forecast to be slight but becoming rough during showers in the southern atolls, and rough elsewhere, according to MMS.

The southwest monsoon is the country’s main wet season, normally extending from mid-May through November. It generally brings more rainfall than the northeast monsoon, with showers often occurring intermittently rather than continuously.

Strong winds and rough seas during the southwest monsoon can also affect inter-island travel and fishing activities, while heavy rainfall can contribute to flooding in vulnerable islands.

MMS has therefore advised the public, particularly mariners, to closely monitor the latest weather information and take necessary precautions.

The latest warning comes as September is expected to see varying rainfall conditions across the country, with MMS forecasting below-normal rainfall in northern atolls and parts of the central region, while some central and southern areas could receive above-normal rainfall.

The public is advised to remain alert during heavy showers, particularly because wind gusts and rough seas may develop rapidly during thunderstorms.