It’s official: Rainy season is here

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of the rainy season as Typhoon Aghon exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) at noon yesterday.

PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said the passage of Aghon and the prevalence of the southwest monsoon signify the onset of the wet season.

“The occurrence of scattered rainshowers, frequent thunderstorms, the passage of Typhoon Aghon and the southwest monsoon over the past few days have brought significant rains over the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas signify the start of the rainy season in the country,” he said in an advisory.

He warned of the high chance of La Niña developing in the next few months, which could bring adverse effects with above-average rainfall.

“Moreover, the high chance of La Niña conditions to develop by the July-August-September period increases the likelihood of above-normal rainfall conditions in some areas of the country, especially towards the end of the year,” Servando added.

Still, PAGASA said there are expected monsoon breaks in rainfall that could extend over a few days or even weeks at a time.

State weather forecasters said they are continuously monitoring weather and climate situations in the country and advised the public to take measures against the adverse impacts of the wet season.

The state weather bureau said Aghon left the northern boundary of the PAR at around noon yesterday but will partially influence the southwesterly wind flow, bringing rains over parts of the country.

Aghon was monitored 1,205km northeast of extreme Northern Luzon yesterday at 3 p.m. It was carrying winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

Meanwhile, the southwesterly windflow partially influenced by the typhoon will still bring moderate to heavy rains over the western portions of Northern Luzon, Central Luzon and MIMAROPA until today.

It will also bring occasional gusty conditions in the next three days over Batanes, Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Lubang Islands and Kalayaan Islands.

The southwesterly windflow is currently bringing scattered rains over Metro Manila,