Hulhangu Monsoon gathers strength, unleashing heavy rain and thunderstorms

The active Southwest Monsoon, locally known as the Hulhangu Monsoon, is expected to gather strength during the next three days, unleashing heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Maldives.

In a statement on Saturday, the national weather warned that bad weather conditions are expected to last through Tuesday.

“Active southwest monsoon over the Maldives is expected to be stronger during next 3 days (18-20 May). During this period, heavy rain and thunderstorms will be experienced across the country,” said the Maldives Meteorological Service.

The weather agency warned that seas are expected to be especially rough in central and northern regions of the country.

“Average winds along with rough seas are also expected, particularly over central and norther atolls,” said the Meteorological Service.

Rain, thunderstorms, and windy conditions are expected pic.twitter.com/OJdcU1HYVp

— Maldives Meteorology (@MetMaldives) May 17, 2025

The weather agency advised everyone, especially seafarers, to keep up to date with the weather situation.

The Maldives experiences two distinct seasons: the Southwest or Hulhangu Monsoon, which typically runs from May to November, and the Northeast or Iruvai Monsoon, which usually lasts from January to March.

The impact of the Hulhangu Monsoon is initially felt in the southern regions around the first or second week of May, spreading to the central regions and eventually encompassing the entire country by the end of the month.

This year, the Hulhangu Monsoon commenced for the southern region on May 7.