The six-month wet season in this Southeast Asian republic has begun, the state weather agency said Wednesday.
Using temperature and rainfall as bases, the climate of the country can be divided into two major seasons: (1) the rainy season, from June o November; and (2) the dry season, from December to May.
In a statement, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA said the rainy season started over the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas.
This is due to the presence of the frontal system and the occurrence of severe thunderstorms, which have brought widespread rain in many parts of the country, as well as the observance of the southwesterly wind flow during the past few days.
PAGASA advised that intermittent rains associated with the southwest monsoon or “habagat” would start to affect Metro Manila and western sections of the country.
But monsoon breaks, or breaks in rainfall that can last for several days or weeks, may still happen.
PAGASA also noted that the current La Niña phenomenon might still affect parts of the country, increasing the likelihood of above normal rainfall conditions in the coming months.
PAGASA’s declaration of the rainy season came a day after heavy rains pounded parts of Metro Manila, where nearly 13 million people live, causing heavy traffic during afternoon rush hours.