The onset of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas has began, Administrator Vicente Malano of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Wednesday, May 18.
“The presence of a frontal system and the occurrence of severe thunderstorms have brought widespread rains during the last five days in areas under Type I climate and other parts of the country. Moreover, southwesterly windflow was also observed during the past few days. This satisfies the criteria of the start of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas,” Malano said in a press statement.
Intermittent rains, associated with the Southwest (SW) monsoon will start to affect Metro Manila and the western sections of the country, he said.
However, breaks in rainfall events also known as monsoon breaks, which can last for several days or weeks may still occur, Malano added.
Meanwhile, the ongoing La Niña may still affect some parts of the country, which may increase the likelihood of above normal rainfall conditions in the coming months, he said.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, DOST-PAGASA will continue to monitor the day-to-day weather and long-term climate situation and provide updates when significant changes occur, Malano added.*