Relevant authorities have urged the public to take safety precautions tonight as the southwest monsoon strengthens across the Maldivian region, with weather forecasted to worsen significantly in various areas over the next 24 hours.

According to the Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office), heavy rain clouds currently forming to the west of the Maldives are spreading across the atolls. With a weather disturbance also developing over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, heavy showers and stormy weather are expected in some islands in the coming hours.

The Met Office added that winds will strengthen and seas will be exceptionally rough over the next few days, particularly across the northern and central atolls.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has urged sea travelers to exercise special caution. Soldiers advised travelers to share their travel information with relevant authorities and obtain the latest weather updates before setting off.

Additionally, MNDF requested vessel operators to ensure all safety measures are in place, including checking that lifejackets, communication equipment, and bilge pumps are in proper working order.

The military also urged that cargo vessels should not be overloaded beyond authorized limits and that boats anchored in lagoons should be securely moored.