The rainy season associated with the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," is expected to begin in the next few days, according to the Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section (CLIMPS) of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
CLIMPS chief Ana Liza Solis said in a climate outlook forum on Wednesday, May 24, that the rainy season could start in the "next couple of days," especially in areas classified as Climate Type 1.
Metro Manila, as well as the western portions of Luzon and the Visayas, have Type 1 climate.
These areas have two distinct seasons: dry from November to April and rainy the rest of the year.
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Before PAGASA can declare the start of the rainy or wet season in the country, a number of criteria or conditions must be met, including a total rainfall of 25 millimeters or more in five major weather stations for five consecutive days.
This requirement is in addition to the prevalence of the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
PAGASA said the approaching typhoon Mawar, which will be locally known as "Betty" once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility, may trigger the start of the country’s rainy season.
In a press conference on Wednesday, PAGASA senior weather specialist Chris Perez stated that typhoon-enhanced monsoon rains could begin to affect western Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Visayas, and Mindanao by Friday, May 26 or Saturday, May 27.
More areas in Southern Luzon and Visayas, he said, are expected to experience monsoon rains on Sunday, May 28, and may continue for the next few days.