The Maldives Meteorological Service has forecast rain showers across the country starting Thursday, saying the rainfall will help clear the haze that has blanketed much of the Maldives in recent days.  
According to IQAir, which monitors air quality, the AQI in Male' stood at 108 on Sunday, an orange alert level, while Villimale' recorded 151, placing it in the red alert category. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) issued an orange alert on Friday, warning of dangerous air pollution in the capital.  
A Met Office official told Sun that the air remains most polluted in northern atolls, with visibility reduced to around four kilometers. In Male', visibility has dropped to five kilometers. MET noted that haze is a seasonal phenomenon during December and January, linked to the transition from the southwest monsoon (Hulhangu) to the northeast monsoon (Iruvai).  
The agency had earlier forecast that the air would remain unclean in most parts of the country this week. When asked when conditions would improve, MET said rain showers expected from Thursday should help clear the atmosphere.  
This is the polluted air in the Maldives these days again viewed from the sky. You can clearly see the difference from the clear air above. Be cautious of health risks involved ..! pic.twitter.com/66NblUqVPg
— Mauman (@mauman707) December 10, 2025
Air pollution in the Maldives is typically caused by haze, tiny dry particles suspended in the air. Unlike fog or mist, haze particles are invisible to the naked eye but pollute the atmosphere and reduce visibility.  
Health authorities have advised precautionary measures, including wearing masks outdoors, keeping doors and windows closed, and using air purifiers. Vulnerable groups have been urged to avoid outdoor exercise and sports during periods of poor air quality.  
Climate models suggest December will bring slightly above-average temperatures of 32 - 34°C and below-normal rainfall compared to long-term averages. MET says the current haze is expected to persist intermittently until seasonal rains ease conditions later this week.