The Southwest Monsoon, referred to locally as the Hulhangu Monsoon, has commenced in the southern area of Maldives.

The start of the rainy season coincides with numerous individuals preparing travel arrangements for the forthcoming Eid al-Adha holiday.

The Maldives has two separate seasons: the Hulhangu Monsoon, which generally occurs from May to November, and the Northeast Monsoon, known locally as the Iruvai Monsoon, that typically spans January to March.

The impacts of the Hulhangu Monsoon are first experienced in the southern area in the first or second week of May, progressively spreading to the central regions and ultimately encompassing the whole nation by the month's conclusion.

The Maldives Meteorological Service reports that the Hulhangu Monsoon began in the southern area on Friday.

The weather agency determines the start of the Hulhangu Monsoon by examining specific indicators, such as rainfall and wind patterns, alongside the current synoptic conditions.

The Meteorological Service reported that since early May, over 60 percent of the southern stations have observed daily precipitation exceeding 2.5 millimeters along with southwest to westerly winds blowing at speeds over 10 knots.

Hajj Day is anticipated to occur on May 26, with the three-day Eid al-Adha starting the following day. The celebration, referred to as the “bodu” or “big” Eid, witnesses a rise in both domestic and international travel.