PAGASA announces end of Habagat season, start of Amihan

The weather bureau PAGASA on Wednesday announced the end of the Southwest Monsoon or “Habagat” season as the country expects the gradual transition to the Northeast Monsoon or “Amihan” season.

PAGASA said a significant weakening of Habagat has been observed over the last few days, adding that the strengthening of the high-pressure area over the Asian continent has led to the gradual changing of the season.

“With these developments, the Southwest Monsoon season or known locally as ‘Habagat’ is now officially over,” the weather bureau said in a statement.

“The season in the Philippines is in the process of transition and will be expecting the gradual start of the Northeast Monsoon season in the coming days with a shift in the direction of the winds,” it added.

PAGASA said there is also an increase of above-normal rainfall conditions that could trigger flash floods and rain-induced landslides over vulnerable areas due to the ongoing La Niña.

The weather bureau advised the public to take precautionary measures to address the possible impacts of these events. — Richa Noriega/RSJ, GMA News