Southwest monsoon here, but not yet rainy season

MANILA, Philippines - The southwest monsoon has arrived, but the state weather bureau yesterday clarified that the rainy season has yet to start.

The southwesterly wind has been prevailing over the West Philippine Sea for the past several days, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

This means that most parts of Luzon and the Visayas will experience occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms in the coming months due to the southwest monsoon.

PAGASA weather forecasting section chief Robert Sawi said the prevalence of the moisture-laden southwesterly wind is one of the criteria in declaring the onset of the rainy season in the western section of the country.

“The southwest monsoon is now prevailing, but it’s still weak,” Sawi said in a press conference.

Rains in the past few days were not enough to satisfy the required 25 millimeters of rain in at least five of eight PAGASA stations for five consecutive days to make official declaration of the rainy season.

The onset of the wet season is expected between May 28 and June 8, according to Analiza Solis, officer-in-charge of the PAGASA’s climate monitoring and prediction section.

PAGASA officials clarified the onset of the rainy season applies only for areas under Type 1 climate. These include the provinces of Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mindoro, Palawan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales and the National Capital Region. These areas have distinct dry and wet seasons.