The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reports that the southwest monsoon, locally called “habagat,” officially begins and brings rain-related weather across parts of the country. Pagasa says the habagat is driven by warm, moist winds from the southwest and is associated with occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms as it strengthens, with some areas later seeing less widespread rainfall as the monsoon weakens.
Across successive forecasts, Pagasa expects habagat to affect the western portions of Northern and Central Luzon, with cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms in regions including Ilocos, Zambales, Batanes and the Babuyan Islands. Other bulletins indicate rains continue to dampen large parts of Luzon, including provinces such as Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac and Pampanga, while additional areas including Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon and surrounding regions may experience scattered to moderate to heavy rains.
Despite the seasonal start, Pagasa continues to warn that hazardous heat persists in 44 areas, and notes warm and humid conditions in much of the country even when habagat weakens. In some forecasts, rains are also linked to enhanced conditions from a tropical cyclone in the region, raising the risk of flash floods or landslides in affected areas.
