Maldives Meteorological Service has stated that feels-like temperature across Maldives is reaching the 40 degrees celsius mark.
Both the MET office and Health Protection Agency has warned of rising temperatures in the country. Temperatures are expected to peak at the end of March, going in to April.
The average normal temperature in Maldives is currently 32 degrees celsius. However, with high humidity, feels-like temperature is on average between 32 and 45 degrees celsius. This calls for health protection measures.
At 11am today, feels-like temperature in Hanimaadhoo was recorded at 37.4 degrees celsius. In Male, the figure was at 36.3 degrees celsius, and 36.1 degrees celsius in L. Kahdhoo.
Reasons for elevated heat
- Low winds as the country transitions from Northeast monsoon (Iruvai monsoon) to Southwest monsoon (Hulhan'gu monsoon)
- Clear skies, allowing the sun's rays to directly reach the ground
Sri Lanka's MET Department issued an Amber Alert in some parts of the country yesterday, with some areas experiencing temperatures of 45 degrees celsius.
Experts say that the high temperatures in South Asia at present are owed to global warming and rising ocean temperatures.
Advice from HPA
HPA has urged the public to take precautionary steps to avoid dehydration, heat stroke and other complications due to the heat.
They have advised:
- Increased intake of water, even if not feeling thirsty
- Sun protection: reduce time spent outdoors between 10am and 4pm and use umbrellas and sunscreen if outdoors
- Wearing airy, loose and light coloured clothes
- Children, the elderly, and those working outdoors are advised to take stronger preventive measures
With the Northeast monsoon, Maldives experiences the hottest climate between January and June each year, with April recording peak temperatures.
As of now, the highest feels-like temperature has been recorded on April 1, 2024 in Male', at 48 degrees celsius.
The Southwest monsoon is set to start in April, with rainy weather expected from May.
