PAGASA: ‘Habagat’ officially over, ‘Amihan’ begins

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration on Wednesday announced the termination of the southwest monsoon season or "habagat" and the beginning of the northeast monsoon or "amihan" season. 

In a statement, PAGASA administrator Vicente Malano said the "significant weakening" of habagat has been observed over the last few days.

Malano added that the strengthening of the high-pressure area over the Asian continent has led to the gradual shift of the changing of the season.

"The season in the Philippines is in the process of transition and will be expecting the gradual start of the Northeast Monsoon (NE) season in the coming days with a shift in the direction of the winds," Malano further stated. 

PAGASA noted that the ongoing La Niña will increase the likelihood of above-normal rainfall conditions that could trigger floods, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides over vulnerable areas. 

An Intertropical Convergence Zone is affecting Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao according to the weather bureau. 

Scattered rains and thunderstorms will prevail over Mindanao and Eastern Visayas due to ITCZ. 

Metro Manila and the rest of the country, on the other hand, will experience partly cloudy skies with isolated rains or thunderstorms due to ITCZ or localized thunderstorms. 

The state weather bureau advised all concerned government agencies and the public to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of these events.