End of rainy, monsoon season declared
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has declared the termination of the southwest monsoon, marking the transition toward colder temperatures in the country.
The end of the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, also marks the end of the rainy season in tropical countries like the Philippines, according to PAGASA.
“The season in the Philippines is now in a gradual transition to the northeast monsoon (locally known as amihan) season and may be apparent and declared in the coming weeks,” PAGASA said in an advisory.
The state weather bureau said that it observed a significant weakening of the southwest monsoon in the past few days alongside the strengthening of a high-pressure system over East Asia.
PAGASA said that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon also means an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts that are expected this last quarter of 2023 up to the first quarter of next year.
“This may adversely affect the different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety, and other key sectors in the country,” PAGASA warned.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said it is monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) 300 km west of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The trough of the LPA is going to bring scattered rains over Calabarzon, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental and the northern portion of Palawan.
Still, weather forecasters said that the LPA may exit PAR in the next 24 hours.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country may also see isolated rains due to the trough of the LPA and localized thunderstorms.
