The rainy season is here, says Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines—The rainy season is here.

As Typhoon Chedeng leaves the country this weekend, it will leave in its wake a stronger southwest monsoon, which signals the start of the rainy season, the state weather bureau said Friday.

“The onset of the rainy season is here,” said Robert Sawi, chief forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The wet season will last until September, he added. For this year, Pagasa said it expects 18 to 21 storms or cyclone, up from only 11 in 2010.