White Alert Issued for Large Area as Rough Seas Forecast Across Northern and Central Maldives

The National Meteorological Centre (Met Office) has issued a white alert for a large area of the Maldives on Friday, warning of rough sea conditions and strong winds affecting atolls from Haa Alif to Alifu Dhaalu.

The alert is in effect from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, during which the Met Office forecasts wind speeds of 19 to 24 miles per hour across the affected northern and central atolls, with seas expected to be rough.

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In the southern atolls, winds are expected to range between 3 and 13 miles per hour, while other regions are forecast to experience winds of 10 to 20 miles per hour. Sea conditions are expected to remain slight in the south and moderate to rough elsewhere.

Alert white for strong winds of 19 – 24 mph with rough seas. pic.twitter.com/hLXMVmw0v4— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) July 4, 2026

Meanwhile, the Met Office has stated that El Niño conditions are currently forming, with sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific rising above normal levels.

The agency said the phenomenon may influence rainfall patterns in the Maldives, with potential for both increased and reduced rainfall depending on its intensity and timing. It added that it is continuing to monitor developments and assess possible impacts on the country’s climate.