INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Summer is officially over and the onset of rainy season has started, the state weather bureau declared on Tuesday.
“During the next two (2) months (July-August), near (81-120%) to above normal (>120%) rainfall conditions are expected in most parts of the country,” Vicente Malano, officer in charge of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in an advisory.
During the rainy season, the prevailing weather system is the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
“Monsoon breaks are likely, which may last for several days,” he also said.
El Niño will also develop in the next three months (June to August) due to the unusual warming of sea surface temperature.
“Starting September, rainfall patterns in some parts of the country will be affected, ” Malano said.
The country is battered with an average of 20 storms per year. With the El Niño, drier conditions but stronger storms are expected.
“Pagasa will continue to monitor the tropical Pacific and updates will be issued as appropriate. Concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures,” Malano said.
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