The Maldives Meteorological Service has warned that air quality in the Maldives region will remain significantly poor today and tomorrow. Visibility in central and northern areas has currently decreased to below three kilometers.

The air pollution during this period is caused by smoke from India and the Himalayan region being carried by the Iruvai (northeast) monsoon winds. The Met Office stated that visibility will remain at three kilometers over these two days, with the central and northern regions experiencing the most severe impact. The southern areas are not affected by this issue, according to the department.

The Met Office indicated that the air pollution problem is expected to improve somewhat on Thursday and Friday as rain is forecast for the Maldives. The air is expected to be fully cleared when the Iruvai monsoon season ends.

While a large portion of the Maldives population is facing air pollution issues, health experts warn that people with vulnerable health conditions face a higher risk of developing respiratory system problems.