PAGASA declares start of southwest monsoon for 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The southwest monsoon or habagat is here, the weather bureau announced on Saturday, May 30.

In a statement, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that “recent analyses over the past days have shown the presence of southwesterly winds over the western section of the country.”

The presence of Severe Tropical Storm Domeng (Jangmi) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is also expected to enhance the winds from the southwest.

The start of the southwest monsoon could trigger the onset of the rainy season in the coming days. The rainy season usually begins in the second half of May or first half of June, and lasts until October or November.

In the coming weeks and months, “as the habagat becomes a more dominant weather system,” PAGASA said occasional to frequent rain and thunderstorms are expected. Floods and landslides are likely to occur.

But there will be periods with very little or no rain, called monsoon breaks. These monsoon breaks can last for a few days or even weeks.

For the next six months, or from June to November, PAGASA said nine to 13 tropical cyclones could form within or enter PAR.

So far, the Philippines has had four tropical cyclones in 2026, with the current Domeng being the fourth. The country gets an average of 20 tropical cyclones each year. – Rappler.com