The southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” will continue to bring rains across various parts of the country for several more weeks, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Sunday, September 6.
PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina explained that the habagat typically winds down by mid-October before transitioning into the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season by November.
“Sa mga nagtatanong, kailan ba matatapos itong southwest monsoon o habagat? Base po sa mga nakaraang taon, natatapos po yung season po natin ng habagat o yung panahon ng habagat, bandang first half po ng October, either first or second week ng October,” Badrina said.
“Kaya sa mga kababayan po natin, lalong-lalo na nga sa may western section ng Luzon, maging sa may Kabisayaan, ay asahan pa rin po itong patuloy na epekto ng habagat na magdadala ng mga pag-ulan,” Badrina said.
Heavy downpours are forecast over the next 24 hours in Bataan, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro, while cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will affect major portions of Luzon and Western Visayas.
“Malaking bahagi pa rin ng Luzon ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na mga pag-ulan pagkidlat-pagkulog, gayon din sa may western Visayas,” he said.
Meanwhile, state meteorologists are tracking Tropical Cyclone Pilandok (international name: Krovahn) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). While it poses no direct threat to land, it may enhance the monsoon.
“Halos na sa may boundary na po ito ng Philippine Area of Responsibility at hindi nga natin inaalis ang posibilidad na muli itong pumasok within the day. Pero kung papasok man ito, posibling lumabas din ito ng Philippine Area of Responsibility within the day,” Badrina said.
“Gayunpaman, kahit pumasok o lumabas o hindi man pumasok ng Philippine Area of Responsibility ang bagyong si Krovahn ay inaasahan natin na patuloy itong magpapalakas ng hanging habagat bagamat hindi ito magkakaroon ng direktang epekto sa ating bansa,” Badrina said.
PAGASA advised communities to stay vigilant against potential flash floods and landslides throughout September.
“Patuloy po yung epekto ng habagat, lalo’t ngayong buwan nga ng Setyembre ay inasahan pa rin natin na magkakaroon pa rin po ng epekto ang southwest monsoon,” Badrina said.