Habagat 2026 season has started, PAGASA says

The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season has started on Saturday, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau said the start of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season is one of the precursors of the onset of the rainy season.

"Recent analyses over the past days have shown the presence of southwesterly winds over the western section of the country, and may continue due to the recent development of a Tropical Cyclone over the Philippine Sea," PAGASA said.

"With the intrusion of westerly winds and the progression of the general meteorological pattern across the country, these developments suggest the start of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), which is one of the precursors of the onset of the rainy season," it added.

Due to this, there would be occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms especially over the western parts of the country. "This may lead to the possible onset of the rainy season in the coming days," PAGASA said.

Monsoon breaks or rain breaks lasting a few days or weeks may also occur, it said.

PAGASA advised the public and concerned agencies to take precautionary measures against the possible adverse impact of Habagat and other climate and weather events. —KG, GMA News