The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has stated that seas across all regions of the country will be rough over the next 24 hours, with heavy rain and rainy weather expected nationwide.

Speaking to "One" today, Duty Forecaster Ibrahim Anil said that rain and thunderstorms are expected across all areas of the Maldives in the upcoming 24 hours.

"Winds in the southern atolls will generally blow from the west and northwest at speeds between 5 to 15 mph. Central and northern regions will experience winds between 13 and 23 mph. Wind speeds may gust up to 40 mph during squalls in all regions. Seas will also become rough during squalls," Anil said.

He further noted that weather conditions would remain poor from HA. Atoll to Th. Atoll until 11:00 AM today, adding that additional alerts will be issued today if conditions deteriorate during squalls in northern and central atolls.

Anil mentioned that while seas in the south will remain relatively calm, conditions are expected to grow rougher during squalls in central and northern atolls.

Due to the adverse weather, the MET Office today urged seafarers to exercise caution and check weather forecasts prior to embarking on travel.