A Yellow Alert has been issued for the central atolls as the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met) warns of deteriorating weather conditions between Baa Atoll and Alifu Alifu Atoll.
The alert is in effect from 11:00am to 3:00pm today.
According to the forecast, winds are expected to reach speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour during the alert period. Meteorologists also caution that gusts could strengthen to up to 45 miles per hour during showers.
Yellow Alert for strong winds and very rough seas. pic.twitter.com/Jp3x6FHM8t— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) May 21, 2026
The warning covers a broad area across the central region and applies to residents, travellers, and those engaged in maritime activities, who have been advised to exercise caution amid changing sea and weather conditions.
Of the two distinct season the Maldives experiences, currently the southwest monsoon is making its way through the Maldives. According to the Met office, the southwest monsoon typically runs from May to November. Met office had previously announced that the southwest monsoon for this year commenced in the southern region on 8 May.
08th May 2026 marks the onset of Southwest monsoon over the Maldives. pic.twitter.com/WqXADUbLOc— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) May 10, 2026
The effects of the southwest monsoon are initially felt in the southern region during the first or second week of May. It then gradually extends to the central regions, eventually covering the entire country by the end of the month.
As the coming week has been declared an extended public holiday by the government to allow more time for Eid celebrations, which are tentatively expected to begin next Tuesday, those planning to travel are advised to take necessary precautions ahead of their journeys.
