PAGASA declares start of rainy season

MANILA, Philippines — The state weather bureau officially declared yesterday the start of the rainy season in the western section of the country, including Metro Manila.

Vicente Malano, administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), noted the occurrence of widespread rains in monitored stations in the past five days and the prevalence of the southwest monsoon.

He said intermittent rains, associated with the southwest monsoon, will continue to affect Metro Manila and the western section of the country, which are under Type 1 climate or those with distinct dry and wet seasons.

Malano also advised the public to brace for above normal rains in the next two months.

“The probability of near to above normal rainfall conditions is high in the next two months,” he said.

However, he said breaks in rainfall events, also known as monsoon breaks, may still occur and last for several days or weeks.

The southwest monsoon was triggered by the passage of Tropical Storm Dante in the country. PAGASA said one to three cyclones are expected to enter the country this month, and two to four in July.