Rainy season is officially here -- PAGASA


(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the onset of the rainy season in the country on Friday, June 4.

"The passage of tropical storm "Dante" and the occurrence of widespread rainfall monitored by PAGASA in the last five days for areas under Type 1 climate confirm the onset of the rainy season," PAGASA said in a statement.

Climate Type I areas, which are mostly those in the western section of the country, have two pronounced seasons--dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

The period of maximum rain in these areas also coincides with the peak of the southwest monsoon or "habagat" from July to September.

As the rainy season starts in the country, PAGASA said that intermittent rains, associated with the southwest monsoon or "habagat" will prevail over Metro Manila and the western section of the country.

"The probability of near to above normal rainfall conditions is high in the next two months, from June to July," PAGASA said.

However, breaks in rainfall events, also known as monsoon breaks, which can last for several days or weeks, may still occur, it added.