The Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has officially announced the commencement of the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as “Hulhangu,” in the southern atolls of the archipelago. According to the department, the transition to the monsoon season officially began in these regions last Friday.

In a statement released on social media, the Met Office noted that the Southwest Monsoon typically arrives in the southern regions during the first or second week of May. The weather pattern is expected to progress toward the central atolls shortly, with the entire country projected to be under the seasonal influence before the end of May.

The Maldives Meteorological Service utilizes specific scientific criteria to determine the onset of the season. These benchmarks include recording a daily rainfall of 2.5 millimeters or more at a minimum of 60 percent of stations in the southern atolls after May 1st. Additionally, wind directions must consistently remain between the Southwest and West, with speeds exceeding 10 knots at the majority of monitoring stations.