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Advocates Philippines
Habagat Is Here: Rainy Season May Start In Coming Days
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The southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, has officially started, signaling a shift toward wetter weather conditions across much of the Philippines, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In a press release issued on May 30, PAGASA said recent weather analyses showed stronger southwesterly winds affecting the western sections of the country. The weather bureau noted that the development of a tropical cyclone over the Philippine Sea has helped strengthen these winds, creating conditions that indicate the beginning of the southwest monsoon season.
PAGASA explained that the arrival of Habagat is one of the major indicators that the country is moving closer to the official onset of the rainy season.
As the weather system becomes more dominant in the coming days, residents in western parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao can expect occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms. Weather experts warned that prolonged rainfall could increase the risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides, especially in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Despite the start of Habagat, PAGASA said rain will not necessarily be continuous. The agency noted that “monsoon breaks” may still occur, referring to periods when rainfall temporarily weakens or stops for several days or even weeks before returning.
The southwest monsoon typically becomes more active between June and September and is often enhanced by tropical cyclones passing near or within the Philippine Area of Responsibility. These weather systems can pull stronger southwest winds toward the country, resulting in heavier rains, particularly along the western seaboard.
The announcement comes as government agencies and local disaster officials continue preparations for the peak of the rainy and typhoon season. The Philippines experiences an average of around 20 tropical cyclones each year, with several making landfall and causing significant damage to communities, agriculture, and infrastructure.
PAGASA said it will continue closely monitoring weather developments and advised the public to stay updated through official forecasts and warnings. The agency also urged local governments and concerned agencies to take precautionary measures against the possible impacts of Habagat and other weather disturbances expected in the coming months.
In a press release issued on May 30, PAGASA said recent weather analyses showed stronger southwesterly winds affecting the western sections of the country. The weather bureau noted that the development of a tropical cyclone over the Philippine Sea has helped strengthen these winds, creating conditions that indicate the beginning of the southwest monsoon season.
PAGASA explained that the arrival of Habagat is one of the major indicators that the country is moving closer to the official onset of the rainy season.
As the weather system becomes more dominant in the coming days, residents in western parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao can expect occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms. Weather experts warned that prolonged rainfall could increase the risk of flooding, flash floods, and landslides, especially in vulnerable and low-lying areas.
Despite the start of Habagat, PAGASA said rain will not necessarily be continuous. The agency noted that “monsoon breaks” may still occur, referring to periods when rainfall temporarily weakens or stops for several days or even weeks before returning.
The southwest monsoon typically becomes more active between June and September and is often enhanced by tropical cyclones passing near or within the Philippine Area of Responsibility. These weather systems can pull stronger southwest winds toward the country, resulting in heavier rains, particularly along the western seaboard.
The announcement comes as government agencies and local disaster officials continue preparations for the peak of the rainy and typhoon season. The Philippines experiences an average of around 20 tropical cyclones each year, with several making landfall and causing significant damage to communities, agriculture, and infrastructure.
PAGASA said it will continue closely monitoring weather developments and advised the public to stay updated through official forecasts and warnings. The agency also urged local governments and concerned agencies to take precautionary measures against the possible impacts of Habagat and other weather disturbances expected in the coming months.
May 30, 2026
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