Rainfall still below normal in parts of the country

Data from state weather bureau PAGASA showed that rainfall this month has so far been below normal or way below normal in most parts of the country.

From June 1 to 17, several areas (in red and yellow) registered way below normal or below normal rainfall, as can be seen in the map below.

Only a few areas in Mindanao had near normal amount of rainfall for the said period.

The country relies on the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and localized thunderstorms for rain showers.

PAGASA has not monitored any tropical cyclone yet in the country, but one or two such disturbances are expected within the month.

The weather bureau declared the start of the rainy season last May 29.

Hot weather though continues to prevail even during the rainy season because of the weak Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and easterlies, PAGASA said on Saturday. —KG, GMA Integrated News