The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday officially announced the end of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season, marking the close of the rainy months for the western parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
According to the weather bureau, recent observations show that the Habagat has been weakening in recent weeks, accompanied by a gradual shift in weather patterns across the country. The change is attributed to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia and the southward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) — both indicators of the monsoon’s termination.
PAGASA said forecast models confirm that this trend will continue in the coming days, signaling the country’s transition to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan), which typically brings cooler temperatures and drier weather.
“This development marks the end of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas,” the agency said in its advisory. “The public and all concerned agencies are advised to continue monitoring for updates as the Amihan season is expected to be declared in the next few weeks.”
During the Amihan period, which usually begins in late October or early November, the country experiences cooler mornings, less rainfall, and northeasterly winds — a shift that often ushers in the Christmas season atmosphere.
PAGASA assured the public that it will continue to closely monitor weather and climate conditions and issue advisories as necessary. — Cali Demi
