Pagasa: Habagat season officially over; amihan season starts

(FILE) Residents and tourists enjoy the nippy “amihan” season weather in Baguio City. (Photo by Allan Macatuno)

MANILA, Philippines – Habagat (southwest monsoon) – the weather system that whips up heavy rain, often moving into violent typhoons and consequent wet season floods – is over.

Wednesday marked the official end of habagat season in the Philippines, as announced by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its place, the amihan (northeast monsoon) will start blowing cold air between December and February.

Analysis, according to Pagasa Administrator Vicente Malano, has shown that the southwest monsoon has been weakening over the last few days, while a high-pressure area over Asia has been strengthening.

“With these developments, the southwest monsoon season, known locally as habagat, is now officially over,” said Malano.

Malano, however, has said that La Niña is still happening. In vulnerable areas, rainfall is expected to be above average, leading to flooding and landslides. Thus, he urged government entities to be prepared.

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