Seychelles has experienced heavy showers over the past 24 hours, accompanied by persistent cloudy conditions, signalling a shift in weather patterns after an extended dry period.
The Seychelles Meteorological Authority had previously indicated that the country’s rainy season was expected to start later than usual. In October, forecasters said persistent atmospheric conditions had delayed the onset of seasonal rainfall.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Meteorological Authority, Vincent Amelie, said current conditions now confirm that the transition is under way.
“As announced back in October, our rainy season was expected to start from mid-December onwards, and this is what we are now experiencing,” he said. “Seychelles continued to experience a dry season for some time, but this is gradually changing.”
Mr Amelie explained that the atmospheric system that had been preventing rainfall over the region had weakened, allowing weather patterns to return to normal.
“All the information indicates that our atmosphere is returning to its normal condition, and this means the rainy season has started,” he added.
He urged the public to take precautionary measures in the weeks ahead, noting that heavier rainfall is possible during the peak months of December, January and February.
“There may be periods of intense rain, which, as we know, can lead to flooding and landslides,” Mr Amelie said.