By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency
The “habagat” (southwest monsoon) season is officially over as the country is gradually transitioning to the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season, which may be apparent and declared in the coming weeks, the weather bureau said Thursday.
“Recent analyses showed that a significant weakening of the southwest monsoon has been observed over the past few days,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a press statement.
It added that the strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia has led to a gradual change in the weather patterns.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
This could result in a dry spell or drought in some areas from the last quarter of the year until the first quarter of 2024.
PAGASA reiterated that this could affect agriculture, water resources, health, energy, and other sectors.
The weather bureau earlier said there is a more than 56 percent probability that the El Niño would be moderate to strong in the last quarter of 2023.
It added that most areas in the country are forecast to experience a dry spell in the first half of 2024. (PNA)
