The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday announced the termination of the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, which also marks the end of the rainy season in the western parts of Luzon and Visayas.
The termination follows a gradual shift in the prevailing weather pattern observed over the past several days, according to a press statement signed by PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel T. Servando.
This includes the strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia, the southward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and the notable weakening of winds and rainfall induced by the southwest monsoon.
“Forecasts indicate that these conditions are expected to persist in the coming days,” PAGASA said in a statement. “In view of this, the Habagat season has officially ended.”
The bureau also said the termination of the southwest monsoon marks the end of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas.
PAGASA said it will continue monitoring the country’s weather and climatic conditions. — Edg Adrian A. Eva
