What is Thunderstorms & Lightning?

A thunderstorm is a weather event involving one or more sudden electrical discharges seen as lightning and heard as thunder. Lightning may occur within clouds, between clouds, or between clouds and the ground. They are usually associated with strong winds (at times exceeding a speed of 100 km per hour), rough seas and heavy rainfall with lightning. Thunderstorms are observed to be more frequent during the month of April and in the south-west monsoon thunder is experienced with rain showers

Thunderstorms are monitored through routine Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) weather observations. Strengthening data, technology and preparedness is recognized as an important national priority.

Causes & Contributing Factors

Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises quickly to create towering storm clouds. In the Maldives, seasonal monsoon systems and tropical disturbances make these conditions more common.

• Warm, moist air rising to form cumulonimbus clouds.

• Increased convection from monsoon troughs and tropical disturbances.

• Highest frequency in the Maldives during April and the south-west monsoon (May–December).

• Greater exposure for small and remote islands with limited shelter.

Warning Signs & Early Indicators

Thunderstorms often build quickly, but several environmental cues can help communities anticipate developing storms. Local alerts issued by MMS provide formal warnings for lightning, strong winds and heavy rain.

• Dark, rapidly growing thunderclouds

• Sudden gusty winds or a noticeable drop in temperature

• Flashes of lightning and distant thunder

• MMS thunderstorm, lighting, heavy rain or strong wind alerts

MMS currently issues White and Yellow Alerts for thunderstorms, which provide formal warnings for thunderstorms and lightning.

Impacts on the Maldives

While usually short-lived, Thunderstorms can disrupt daily life, damage infrastructure and pose risks to safety. Impacts increase when storms are intense or occur near vulnerable islands. The following are potential impacts that may occur depending on the intensity of the storm, local exposure, and vulnerability of the island.

Preparedness & Mitigation

Simple preparedness measures help reduce risk during thunderstorms. Institutions, households, and individuals can take steps to protect people, buildings, and electronics from lightning and strong winds.

For Individuals & Families

For Homes & Buildings

Improving forecasting systems, infrastructure standards and public awareness will help communities across the Maldives adapt to potential increase of frequent and intense thunderstorms.

• Expand lightning detection and thunderstorm forecasting capabilities.

• Integrate lightning and strong-wind risk into building and infrastructure standards.

• Maintain national awareness campaigns promoting simple, life-saving safety practices.