The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, Oct. 12 said the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season this year has officially ended.
Based on analysis, PAGASA said the southwest monsoon has significantly weakened in the past days, while the high pressure system over East Asia has strengthened, leading to a gradual change in the weather patterns.
“The season in the Philippines is now in a gradual transition to the northeast monsoon season and may be apparent and declared in the coming weeks,” it pointed out.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said there is a high chance of “below-normal” rainfall conditions due to the ongoing El Niño.
It said dry spells and droughts may be felt in some areas of the country until March 2024.
“This may adversely affect the different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety and other key sectors in the country,” PAGASA said. (Lizst Torres Abello)