The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday, May 17 that some parts of the country will experience more frequent rains and thunderstorms, indicating that this year’s rainy season is about to begin.
According to PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina, the rainy season in the country typically begins between the third week of May and the second week of June.
More frequent rains will be experienced in the next few days due to the frontal system and southwesterly wind flow affecting parts of Northern and Central Luzon, Badrina said.
He said the frontal system or boundary between warm and cold air masses may bring cloudy skies and moderate to heavy rains over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
Meanwhile, the southwesterly wind flow or winds coming from the southwest may bring cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms over Zambales and Bataan.
Badrina pointed out that the southwesterly wind flow will eventually trigger the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” which is associated with the rainy season.
The rest of the country will continue to experience warm and humid weather with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the southwesterly wind flow or localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA advised the public to exercise caution during severe thunderstorms, as these may trigger landslides or flash floods, especially in areas that are vulnerable to these hazards.
As of Wednesday, PAGASA has not monitored a low pressure area that may develop into a tropical depression, Badrina said.