Philippines Welcomes Rainy Season Amid Southwest Monsoon Impact

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The Philippines is officially entering its rainy season, as declared by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). This announcement came just three days after the southwest monsoon began to make its presence felt across the country.

The monsoon, known for ushering in heavy rains and thunderstorms, is currently affecting the western regions of Luzon and the Visayas. Recent weather analysis and rainfall data, indicating scattered to widespread downpours over the past five days, triggered PAGASA's official declaration.

PAGASA has urged the public and relevant agencies to prepare for the potential adverse effects of the rainy season, including localized flooding and landslides. However, it did highlight the possibility of monsoon breaks, which are periods of dry weather that might last weeks despite the onset of the rainy season.

In its latest update, PAGASA reported that the southwest monsoon would continue to dominate the weather patterns over the entirety of Luzon. Areas such as Zambales and Bataan should brace for consistent rainfall, while Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, and Batanes will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms. Elsewhere in Luzon, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected, accompanied by isolated rain showers.

For the Visayas and Mindanao regions, PAGASA forecasts localized thunderstorms which, together with the monsoon rains, could pose risks of flashfloods and landslides.

The incoming monsoon also brings "moderate to strong southwest winds" and "moderate to rough" seas over extreme Northern Luzon. Meanwhile, the rest of the country will experience "light to moderate winds" and "slight to moderate waves."

As the rains settle in, temperatures across the Philippines are predicted to range from a minimum of 26.1 degrees Celsius in the early morning to a peak of 33 degrees Celsius by late morning. With these changes, PAGASA advises continued vigilance and readiness throughout the season.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-05-31