Met Office Cautions Public On Peak In Weather Temperatures

The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has issued warnings to the public to take precautions against the hot temperatures in the coming weeks. According to a statement released by the institution, April is the warmest month in the Maldives yet so far, with temperatures recorded at an average of 29 degrees Celsius across the country.

As a tropical country that experiences monsoons, April is the transition month between monsoons as the Maldives switches to the wet and rainy Southwest monsoon. Due to this transition, the winds weaken causing humidity to rise and remain which causes the warm air temperature to exacerbate. Therefore, the perceived temperature experienced by the public is significantly greater than the actual temperature.

Data released at 1400 hours yesterday show that the average temperature throughout the country remained above 30 degrees Celsius with Kahdhoo recording the highest temperature at 33 degrees Celsius. This was followed by Hanimaadhoo at 32.8 degrees Celsius and Hulhule’ and Gan at 32.6 degrees Celsius. The coolest temperature was experienced by Kaadehdhoo at 32 degrees Celsius yesterday.

Although the temperatures ranged between 32 and 33 degrees Celsius, the ‘feel like’ temperatures were well above 40 degrees Celsius in all parts of the Maldives. At Kahdhoo, the perceived temperature reached 44.3 degrees Celsius while in Hulhule’ it was 43 degrees Celsius respectively. On the extreme atolls, the temperatures were slightly lower with Hanimadhoo in the North recording a ‘feel like’ temperature of 42 degrees Celsius while Kaadehdhoo and Gan in the South recorded 41.9 and 41 degrees Celsius.

In light of the hot weather, Met Office has advised the public to be vigilant about health symptoms that might be caused due to the hot climate. This included experiencing tiredness, dehydration, sunburns, headaches and eyestrains among others. The institution also urged people to take measures against the hot weather by carrying umbrellas, wearing light-coloured and loose clothing, and donning sunglasses and hats when stepping outside.

In addition to this, the Met Office warned the public to not intake high-sugar drinks and to drink ample amounts of water during the day even if not thirsty. A sun lotion with an SPF higher than 15 is also advisable to be worn when outdoors. As for children, parents are asked to limit outdoor activities during this time of the year and to take special precautions if they are heading outside with children.