PAGASA has officially announced on Monday the “termination of the southwest monsoon,” bringing the rainfall-heavy Habagat season to a close.

According to the state weather bureau’s press release, their declaration has come after “recent analyses showed a significant weakening of the Southwest Monsoon,” which is responsible for the frequent rainfalls and thunderstorms across different portions of the country from May to September. 

Locally known as Habagat, this kind of monsoon is characterized by warm and moist winds and often draws scattered rains, making for a humid and wet season. 

Because of the gradually shifting weather patterns generated by the “strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia.”

Out with the Habagat, in with the approaching Amihan.

Following this development, the country now braces for the colder but drier winds of Amihan as it transitions to the Northeast Monsoon season in the coming weeks.