Students returning to classes this week can expect better weather as the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” is projected to temporarily weaken, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina noted that cloud formations over western Luzon have started to clear up, signaling a decrease in the monsoon’s intensity.
“Itong southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ na nagsimula noong mga nakaraang linggo ay inaasahan na medyo hihina po. Dahil doon, sa mga susunod na araw, tamang-tama po sa panahon ng darating na pasukan ngayong linggo ine-expect po natin medyo mababawasan ‘yung mga malalakas na pag-ulan dulot ng hanging habagat,” Badrina said.
The weather bureau added that no low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones are expected to develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) over the next few days.
However, PAGASA estimates that one to two tropical cyclones could still form or enter the PAR within the month of June.
According to PAGASA’s 24-hour outlook, occasional monsoon rains will still affect Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Meanwhile, scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected across Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and the rest of the Ilocos Region due to the habagat.
The rest of the country will likely experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized weather systems.
While general weather conditions are improving, PAGASA still urged the public to stay alert, warning that sudden heavy rains could still trigger flash floods and landslides in high-risk areas.