Rainy season has officially begun, PAGASA says

Ready your raincoats and umbrellas: the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has declared it’s officially the start of the rainy season.  

The weather bureau said in a statement on Wednesday, May 29 that the recently observed rain showers, frequent thunderstorms, Typhoon Aghon, and the southwest monsoon (habagat) have indicated the start of the rainy season in the country.

It also warned of the possibility of “above-normal rainfall conditions” in some areas especially towards the end of the year due to La Niña that may develop by July to September. 

On the other hand, it noted that monsoon breaks may occur and extend for several days or weeks.

“The public and all concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures against the adverse impacts of the rainy season, habagat, and the impending La Niña such as floods and rain-induced landslides,” the weather agency said. 

Aghon (international name: Ewiniar) was the first tropical cyclone to hit the country. It made landfall on the central island of Samar on May 24 and caused severe rainfall and flooding in Luzon and Visayas.  

As per an Agence France-Presse report on Wednesday, the typhoon recorded a total of seven deaths and forced more than 8,000 people to flee their homes as heavy rain caused widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to crops.