The following are a few of the weather hazards that you should look out for when preparing for your snorkeling trip. This will ensure a safe and smooth snorkeling experience for snorkelers with all ranges of experience!

 

Storm

Storms are a result of high precipitation, strong winds, and low visibility, which are all unsuitable conditions for snorkeling. It is best to avoid snorkeling when storm conditions prevail, however this depends on the severity of the factors causing the storm, which will be discussed in the following sections. 

If the storm turns into a thunderstorm and is accompanied by lightning, then being in the water should be avoided. This can be especially dangerous if you are within 6 miles of the storm. In order to find out your distance from the storm, use the 30-30 rule; if you hear the thunder within 30 seconds of seeing the lightning, then you are in fact within 6 miles of the storm and should distance yourself from the storm as soon as possible.

 

Strong Winds

The friction between strong winds and surface water causes waves large enough to create a rough surface and therefore a hazardous environment for snorkeling. These waves can throw you into rocks, corals, and other hard objects, all of which lead to potential hazards. If a wave is deep enough (i.e. a breaking wave) it may cause poor visibility by stirring up sand and sediment from the bottom of the ocean. 

 

 

Precipitation

Although rain does not impose an immediate danger to snorkeling, it may interfere with the quality of the experience. In heavy rain conditions, rain mixes with the water column, resulting in the re-mixing of the sunken dirt and sand into the water; this greatly affects the visibility of the water. Snorkeling should be avoided for up to a few days following a rainstorm. Heavy rain is also accompanied with high cloud coverage, which can also affect the snorkeling conditions. 

 

Snorkeling during a storm. Retrieved from Snorkeling in heavy rain in MaldivesLinks to an external site. on March 17, 2019. 

 

 

Cloud Cover

Visibility is the main problem for snorkeling during a cloudy forecast. The clouds tend to reduce the amount of sunlight entering the water thus making it hard to see. Snorkeling during cloudy conditions is not recommended and can be hazardous as you cannot tell what’s coming your way, especially if snorkeling is done in unknown locations, and if done alone. 

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