The southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” has begun affecting parts of the country, signaling the possible onset of the rainy season in the coming days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Saturday, May 30.

In a press release, PAGASA said recent weather analyses showed the presence of southwesterly winds over the western section of the Philippines, influenced in part by a tropical cyclone developing over the Philippine Sea.

The state weather bureau said the continued intrusion of westerly winds and the evolving meteorological pattern across the country indicate that the southwest monsoon is becoming more established.

The habagat is one of the primary weather systems that precede the rainy season in the Philippines.

“As the habagat becomes a more dominant weather system, occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected, particularly over the western sections of the country,” PAGASA said.

The agency added that these conditions may lead to the formal onset of the rainy season in the coming days.

However, PAGASA noted that intermittent dry periods, known as “monsoon breaks,” may still occur and can last from a few days to several weeks.

The weather bureau said it will continue to monitor the country’s weather and climate conditions and urged the public and government agencies to take precautionary measures against possible adverse impacts, including heavy rains and thunderstorms.