By Gabriela Baron
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 5, the termination of the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano said a “significant weakening” of “habagat” has been observed over the last few days.
“[The] strengthening of the high-pressure area over the Asian continent has led to the gradual changing of the season,” Malano noted.
“With these developments, the southwest monsoon season or known locally as ‘habagat’ is now officially over,” he added.
According to PAGASA, the season in the country is in the process of transition and will be expecting the gradual start of the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season in the coming days.
The weather bureau also announced the possibility of heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, and landslides due to the ongoing La Niña.
“[All] concerned government agencies and the public are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of these events,” Malano said. -ag
