Rainy season officially here, PAGASA says

MANILA, Philippines -The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially declared the start of the rainy season in the country on Monday.

 

"The prevailing synoptic conditions over the country are now characterized by southwesterly to westerly windflow, high humidity, presence of rain clouds and the daily occurrence of rainshowers and thunderstorms," the agency said in an advisory on  Monday afternoon.

 

With this development, PAGASA is expecting enhanced rainfall over the country particularly over the western section which signifies the onset of the rainy season. 

 

On the other hand, breaks in rainfall maybe expected lasting for a few days or weeks, the state weather bureau added.

 

Meantime, Tropical Storm Dante is too far to directly affect any part of the country but it will continue to enhance the southwest windflow that will bring rains and thunderstorms particularly over the western sections of Southern Luzon,  Visayas and Mindanao.

 

As of 10 a.m. today, Dante was estimated at 1,080 km northeast of Basco, Batanes.

 

It is moving north-northeast at 15 kilometers per hour and may exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Tuesday morning.

 

PAGASA is also monitoring a potential low pressure area near Palawan.

 

In another advisory issued past 3 p.m., PAGASA said a thunderstorm, which may persist for an hour, is affecting the towns of Orani and Samal in Bataan, Imus, Cavite and the towns of Mexico, Porac, and City of San Fernando in Pampanga.

 

The thunderstorm is also affecting the towns of Arayat, Lubao, Magalang and Sasmuan in Pampanga and may persist for one to two  hours.

 

"All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, gusty winds, lightning strikes and possible flashfloods. Keep monitoring for updates," PAGASA said.