PAGASA declares onset of rainy season

The state weather bureau PAGASA on Wednesday declared the start of the rainy season in the country.

In a statement, PAGASA said significant rain has been observed in the past few days over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas due to the occurrence of scattered rain showers, frequent thunderstorms, the passage of Typhoon Aghon, and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

''Moreover, the high chance of La Niña conditions [developing] by the July-August-September period increases the likelihood of above-normal rainfall conditions in some areas of the country, especially towards the end of the year,'' it said.

However, PAGASA said there may be breaks in rainfall that extend over a few days or weeks.

''The public and all concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures against the adverse impacts of the rainy season, Habagat, and the impending La Niña, such as floods and rain-induced landslides,'' it said.

According to PAGASA, at least 25 mm of rainfall should be experienced for five days, with at least 1 mm for three consecutive days for the wet season to be officially declared.

Prevailing winds should also have westerly components.

At least seven out of the 13 PAGASA stations should meet the criteria. —VBL, GMA Integrated News