The state weather bureau PAGASA announced that the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, may begin to prevail by the end of May or the first week of June. However, this does not automatically signal the start of the rainy season.
Transition to Habagat Season
According to PAGASA, the country is currently transitioning into the habagat season. Joey Figuracion of the Climatology and Agrometeorology Division clarified that the onset of the southwest monsoon does not immediately mean the rainy season has begun. He explained that while the monsoon may arrive earlier based on forecasts for the coming weeks, the rainy season is expected to start in early June.
Monitoring Tropical Storm Jangmi
PAGASA continues to monitor a former low-pressure area that has developed into Tropical Storm Jangmi. The storm is currently outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) but may intensify the southwest monsoon later this week. As of the latest report, the tropical storm was located 1,295 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather developments as the transition to the rainy season progresses.
