The Maldives Meteorological Service (Met Office) has urged the public to take precautions over the hot weather.
Met Office stated April is the warmest month of the year and that it is recording an average of 29 degrees Celsius across the Maldives. It also noted that April is the transition month between two monsoons as the winds weaken significantly and the high humidity stagnates, which exacerbates the hot air temperature and results in individuals feeling a higher temperature.
Data from Met Office shows that the temperature in Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll is 32 degrees Celsius but residents may feel a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius while the temperature in Hulhumale’ is 32 degrees Celsius and residents may feel a temperature of 39 degrees. The temperature in Gan in Addu City is 31.8 degrees Celsius and residents may feel a temperature of 39.8 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, Met Office stated that the hottest temperature in the day is recorded at 1400hrs and advised the public to go outside only when necessary and to be vigilant of symptoms such as tiredness, soreness, headaches, dehydration, eye strain, and sunburn. It urged the public to take precautions to ease these symptoms such as using sun lotion and umbrellas as well as wearing sunglasses, hats, and loose and light-colored clothing.
Met Office also advised individuals to drink plenty of water and avoid drinking soft drinks when going outside and for parents to keep their children indoors and to take the necessary precautions in cases that they have to go outside.