PAGASA declares start of rainy season with Habagat, new cyclone

MANILA, Philippines — It's official: summer is over.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday declared the onset of the rainy season with a new tropical cyclone and the southwest monsoon or Habagat affecting various parts of the country.

PAGASA acting administrator Vicente Malano said during the next two months, near to above normal rainfall conditions are expected in most parts of the country, though monsoon breaks may happen and last for several days.

"The prevailing synoptic conditions over the country are now characterized by southwesterly windflow, high humidity, and occurrence of daily rainshowers and thunderstorms. This development signifies the onset of the rainy season over the western section of the country," Malano said in a statement.

In a weather advisory issued at 11 a.m., PAGASA said the Habagat will continue to bring moderate to heavy rains over the Ilocos Region and over the provinces of Bataan and Zambales. The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

The agency advised residents in these areas and local disaster risk reduction management councils to take all the necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides. Small fishing vessels were also discouraged to venture out into the northern and western seaboards of Luzon.

3 areas under storm signal due to 'Ester'

PAGASA said the low pressure area (LPA) near Basco, Batanes has also developed into Tropical Depression "Ester."

Located at 120 kilometers north of Basco, Ester is packed with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kilometers per hour.

The new cyclone is expected to move northeast at 20 kilometers per hour.

Public storm warning signal no. 1 has been raised over the Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands. Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under the storm signal are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

PAGASA said Ester will enhance the southwest monsoon.

El Niño

Malano also warned that the unusual warming of sea surface temperature over the tropical Pacific indicates the development of El Niño from June to August.

"Many parts of the country will likely experience below normal rainfall conditions (41-80%) starting September," Malano said.