Habagat season is over – PAGASA

THE rainy season in the Philippines is over.

PAGASA said on Thursday that the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), which brings cloudy skies and rains, had significantly weakened the past few days, while the ”strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia has led to a gradual change in the weather patterns.”

”With these developments, the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season is now officially over. 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,” PAGASA said in a statement.

The Northeast Monsoon, or Amihan, is associated with cool and dry weather. 

The state weather bureau added that there is an increased chance of below-normal rainfall conditions due to the ongoing El Niño, which could have negative impacts in some areas of the country ”that will likely be manifested during the last quarter of the year up to the first quarter of 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,” it said.

”PAGASA will continue to monitor the country’s weather and climatic conditions. Meanwhile, the public and all concerned agencies are advised to regularly monitor relevant PAGASA information.”