
By Alec Go
Expect more rainy days in the coming days as the onset of the rainy season has been declared by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, June 2.
This followed the widespread rains over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas over the past few days after the passage of Super Typhoon “Betty”, the occurrence of thunderstorms, and the southwest monsoon (habagat).
PAGASA said breaks in rainfall events or monsoon breaks may also occur for several days or weeks.
Transition to El Niño is also expected in the following months that is highly likely to persist until the first quarter of 2024.
This may trigger below-normal rainfall conditions that could cause dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country.
Habagat, however, may cause above-normal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country. – cf