Hazardous Haze Levels Blanket Maldives, MET Urges Caution

The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) said today that haze levels across the Maldives have reached hazardous levels nationwide, urging the public to exercise caution, particularly when travelling by sea.

According to MET data from the past seven days, haze conditions are at their worst today, with nationwide visibility declining to around two kilometres. The reduced visibility is expected to persist over the next two days. The agency said the worsened haze conditions are driven by prevailing north-easterly winds, which are expected to continue over the coming days.

MET advised people who spend extended periods outdoors, as well as those travelling by sea, to exercise caution due to the reduced visibility and potential health impacts.

Haze conditions have worsened across the Maldives, with visibility dropping below 2km. These conditions are expected to persist over the next 2 days across the country. pic.twitter.com/jhVP1EqrR8— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) January 29, 2026

Air quality data published by MET show PM2.5 levels close to 70 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) in Malé, and around 50 µg/m³ in Hithadhoo in Addu City and Kulhudhufushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, including dust, haze and chemical pollutants, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

The World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines recommend that PM2.5 concentrations should not exceed an annual average of 5 µg/m³, with short-term exposure limits also set significantly lower than current levels recorded in the Maldives.