The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the start of the Philippines’ rainy season on Wednesday, May 29.
According to the weather bureau, the following brought significant rain to the western parts of Luzon and the Visayas in the past few days:
- scattered rain showers
- frequent thunderstorms
- Typhoon Aghon (Ewiniar)
- Southwest monsoon or habagat
Because of the amount of rain that fell and the southwest winds, the conditions were met to declare the start of the rainy season.
PAGASA also warned that there is a high chance of La Niña developing in the July-September period.
"PAGASA will continue to monitor the weather and climate situation of the country. The public and all concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures against the adverse impacts of the rainy season, Habagat, and the impending La Niña such as floods and rain-induced landslides," PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said in a statement.
The weather bureau said 10 to 13 tropical cyclones are expected to enter and develop inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility from June to November.
But even during the rainy season, PAGASA said there will be “breaks in rainfall that extend over a few days or weeks,” called monsoon breaks.
Aghon who just exited the PAR on Wednesday brought heavy floods to different parts of Quezon, Laguna, and Batangas, and intermittent rains in some parts of Metro Manila.
Official figures showed on Wednesday that the death toll from Aghon has risen to seven.
