PAGASA officially declared the start of the rainy season on Thursday, June 4.

The state weather bureau said its announcement was based on weather observations and analyses; occasional to frequent rains associated with the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat were observed over the past five days. The said observation signifies the onset of the rainy season across Luzon and Visayas.

“However, periods of reduced rainfall, commonly referred to as monsoon breaks, may occur and last for several days or weeks,” the PAGASA noted.

Moreover, it said that the looming El Nino ang the enhanced Habagat rainfall over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas are highly likely during the season.

The public and all concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts of the rainy season and other weather events.

By the end of May, the PAGASA announced the start of the habagat or southwest monsoon season in the country.