The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, Oct. 5, announced the termination of this year’s southwest monsoon or “habagat” season.
It defines southwest monsoon as the warm and moist winds from the southwest causing rains over the western portion of the country from May to September.
PAGASA Administrator Vicente B. Malano in a statement explained that a significant weakening of the southwest monsoon and strengthening of the high-pressure area over the Asian continent have led to the gradual changing of the season in the Philippines.
“With these developments, the southwest monsoon season, known locally as habagat is now officially over,” he said.
Malano also pointed out that the climate in the Philippines is in the process of transition because of the observed shift in wind direction.
As such, the gradual onset of the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season is expected in the coming days.
However, Malano said that La Niña is still present, which makes it more likely to have above-normal rainfall conditions in some parts of the country that could lead to potential adverse effects, such as heavy rains, floods, flash floods, and landslides.
He advised all concerned government agencies and the public to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impact of these events.