Rainy season is here – PAGASA

MANILA, Philippines — The rainy season in the country has started, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA noted that the rains brought by the southwest monsoon and the recent passage of Typhoon Betty earlier this week signaled that the rainy season is here.

“The occurrence of scattered thunderstorms, the passage of super Typhoon Betty and the southwest monsoon over the past few days have brought widespread rains over the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas, which signify the start of the rainy season in the country,” it said in a statement.

Despite the start of the rainy season, there may be breaks in rainfall events that can last for several days or weeks.

PAGASA forecasts a transition to El Niño in the next months and that the phenomenon could persist until the first quarter of 2024.

“El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country,” it said.

Alongside El Niño, the southwest monsoon known may also bring above-average rainfall conditions in some areas in the western part of the country.

“PAGASA will continue to monitor the weather and climate situation of the country. The public and all concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts of the rainy season,” it added.

PAGASA said the southwest monsoon is bringing rains over Occidental Mindoro, Antique and northern Palawan including Cuyo, Calamian and Kalayaan Islands.

The monsoon will also bring scattered rainshowers over Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite and the rest of Mimaropa and Western Visayas.

The rest of the country may see isolated rainshowers due to the monsoon.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during at times moderate to heavy rains.

Sea trips cancelled

Inclement weather and rough seas forced some shipping lines in the country to cancel trips yesterday, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Journeys of MBCA Leopards Sea Runner between Ubay in Bohol and Hilongos in Southern Leyte, as well as Ocean Ferries Inc. from Cebu to Palompon in Leyte and back and trips between Ormoc to Cebu were suspended, the PPA reported.

Also deferred were trips of Momovillage Panglao from Larena in Siquijor to Tagbilaran in Bohol and Ocean Ferries Inc. from Siquijor to Dumaguete in Negros Oriental.

In Palawan, trips of MV November Cattleya between Coron and El Nido were postponed.

The Port Management Office of Bicol also reported there were no sea trips between San Pascual in Masbate to Pasacao in Camarines Sur, as well as all roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessels at Pasacao port.

The PPA noted the cancellation of trips was due to bad weather, southwest monsoon, big waves, gale warning and unfavorable weather.

Yesterday, PAGASA raised gale warning over the northern and eastern seaboard of Northern Luzon, including the northern coast of Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands and Isabela.

The PPA noted that while it does not cancel trips, the Philippine Coast Guard could do so based on reports from PAGASA. — Ghio Ong