Southwest Monsoon begins; severe weather expected over the next three days!
The Maldives Meteorological Service has officially announced the onset of the southwest monsoon in the southern atolls as of May 8, following significant changes in rainfall patterns and wind direction. With heavy rain and rough seas forecasted across much of the country over the coming days, the office has issued an advisory urging the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant regarding weather conditions through May 13.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged the public to take necessary safety precautions to minimize potential damage as weather conditions deteriorate, bringing heavy rain and lightning. | Raajjemv graphics
The Maldives National Meteorological Service has announced the official commencement of this year's Southwest Monsoon.
According to the Maldives Meteorological Service, the country's two distinct seasons follow a specific calendar: the Northeast Monsoon (Iruvai) typically spans from January to the end of March, while the Southwest Monsoon (Hulhangu) lasts from May through November. The office further noted that the effects of the Southwest Monsoon generally begin to manifest in the southern atolls during the first or second week of May.
Subsequently, the monsoon conditions are expected to spread to the central atolls, with the southwest monsoon becoming established across the entire country before the end of May.
The Maldives Meteorological Service has announced that this year's Southwest Monsoon (Hulhangu) commenced in the southern atolls on May 8.
The agency has also disclosed the criteria used to determine the onset of the southwest monsoon. According to the department, at least 60 percent of the stations in the southern atolls must record more than 2.5 millimeters of rainfall after May 1st to meet the requirement.
Furthermore, the Meteorological Service noted that at least 60 percent of stations in the southern atolls must record wind directions between southwest and west, with wind speeds exceeding 10 nautical miles per hour.
With the onset of the southwest monsoon, the Maldives Meteorological Service has forecasted a period of severe weather across much of the country from May 9th to 13th. This is due to a depression forming to the southeast of the Maldives and a low-pressure trough to the northeast, which are expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas.
