(UPDATE) THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Saturday declared the onset of the southwest monsoon (habagat), characterized by warm, humid winds blowing from the southwest, signaling the start of the rainy season in the country.
In a statement, Pagasa said rain could continue because of the influence of Tropical Cyclone Domeng over the eastern Philippine Sea.
“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,” the weather bureau said.
“As the Habagat becomes a more dominant weather system, occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected, particularly over the western sections of the country. This may lead to the possible onset of the rainy season in the coming days,” it added.
Pagasa also said that rain breaks, or “monsoon breaks,” may occur for days, if not weeks.
“Pagasa will continue to monitor the weather and climate situation in the country. The public and all concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures against the adverse impacts of habagat and other climate and weather events,” the weather bureau said.
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Domeng intensified into a typhoon, but it is still unlikely to make landfall, according to Pagasa.
“Typhoon Domeng is forecast to move north-northwestward until [Sunday] before recurving toward southern Japan for the remaining forecast period. This tropical cyclone is less likely to make landfall over the country,” Pagasa said in its 5 p.m. weather bulletin on Saturday.
Also, Pagasa said that Domeng will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday.
“Domeng will continue to intensify until it reaches its peak intensity on Monday while remaining over the Philippine Sea. Then, it will steadily weaken but remain as a typhoon throughout the rest of the forecast period,” it said.
Domeng is unlikely to make landfall, and no wind signal is in effect across the country, Pagasa said.
