The Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has extended a White Alert issued across a large part of the country as rough seas and deteriorating weather conditions continue.

The alert, which was initially due to expire at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, has now been extended until 3:30 p.m. and covers areas from Baa Atoll to Addu Atoll.

MET said winds in the affected areas are expected to reach between 19 and 24 miles per hour, with rough seas and gusts of up to 45 miles per hour during showers.

A separate White Alert was also issued earlier on Wednesday for areas from Baa Atoll to Faafu Atoll between 7:50 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The unstable weather conditions are being caused by a low-pressure system formed in the south-west of the Maldives. The MET forecasts rough seas, strong winds and heavy rain with thunderstorms to persist until next Wednesday.

MET has urged the public to monitor the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions as weather conditions are expected to worsen during the week.

In its forecast for the next 24 hours, MET said thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across parts of the country, with intense downpours likely in some islands.