PAGASA: Rainy season begins in Philippines

State weather bureau PAGASA on Friday officially declared the start of the rainy season.

In a statement, PAGASA said the widespread rains brought about by Super Typhoon Betty, and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) over the western sections of Visayas and Luzon signified the start of the rainy season. 

Monsoon breaks or periods of no rainfall that may last for days or weeks are also possible, it added. 

PAGASA further said the El Niño phenomenon—which is characterized by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and below-normal rainfall — may start in the "next couple of months," with a higher probability of persisting until the first quarter of 2024.

"El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country. However, [an] enhanced Southwest Monsoon season may also be expected, which may result in above-normal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country," it added. 

The Philippines started bracing for the possible impact of El Niño on the country as early as March. In April, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of a specialized task force to mitigate its effects. —VBL, GMA Integrated News