Days after the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season officially began.
On Thursday, June 4, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the start of the rainy season in most parts of the Philippines.
This comes days after they announced the start of the Southwest Monsoon season last Saturday, May 29.
According to the state weather bureau, through its weather observations and analyses, they have observed occasional to frequent rains associated with the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) over the past five days.
“This signifies the onset of the rainy season across the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas,” the agency added.
But they also noted that there will be periods of reduced rainfall, called monsoon breaks, which may last for up to several days or weeks.
“Moreover, with the looming El Niño, enhanced Habagat rainfall over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas is highly likely during the season,” also warned the state weather bureau.
According to PAGASA’s prior statement, there is a possible onset of a “super El Niño” event between June and August, which might persist until the early part of 2027.
It told, “During an El Niño event, there is an increased possibility of drier-than-usual conditions, which can lead to negative impacts such as droughts and dry spells in some parts of the country.“
“However, above-normal rainfall conditions may also be experienced over the western section of the country during the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season,” the agency also pointed out.
PAGASA, meanwhile, said they will continue to monitor the weather and climate situation in the country and advised the public and all concerned agencies to take “precautionary measures” against the adverse impacts of the rainy season, Habagat, and other climate and weather events.