Photo courtesy of Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
NATION

Rains, thunderstorms to persist as 'Habagat' begins

Kimberly Anne Ojeda

Scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast to persist in several parts of the country over the coming week due  prevailing southwesterly winds and a frontal system. 

In its latest weather outlook, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that from Saturday until Sunday, 1 June, the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA will experience cloudy skies with intermittent rains and thunderstorms.

The weather bureau has officially declared on Friday the start of the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, indicating the start of the rainy season in the Philippines. 

The rest of the country is expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. 

Southwesterly winds will persist until Tuesday, 3 June bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over MIMAROPA, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Batanes, Zambales, and Bataan.

From Wednesday to Friday, 6 June, fair weather will occur across most parts of the country, though localized thunderstorms may still occur. However, areas such as the Ilocos Region, Batanes, Bataan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan are likely to continue experiencing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.