PAGASA declares onset of rainy season

MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday the start of rainy season.

"The occurrence of scattered rainshowers, frequent thunderstorms, the passage of Typhoon Aghon, and the southwest monsoon (habagat) over the past few days have brought significant rains over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas signifies the start of the rainy season in the country," the weather bureau said in a new release.

PAGASA urged the public and concerned agencies to take precautionary measures against the adverse impacts of the rainy season, habagat, and the impending La Niña. Risks include floods and rain-induced landslides.

"The high chance of La Niña conditions to develop 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," PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said monsoon breaks or reduced rainfall could extend over a few days or weeks.

2 flights cancelled

Meanwhile, two Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights bound for Japan were canceled as of 5 p.m. Wednesday due to "unfavorable weather condition at origin".

The Manila International Airport Authority said those flights are PR 432 bound for Narita, and PR 408 bound for Kansai via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Typhoon Aghon is now outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and was last tracked 1,225 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon.

Based on the weather bureau's 5 p.m. bulletin, Metro Manila is not included in areas that could experience rains and gusty winds caused by the southwesterly windflow partially influenced by Aghon.

However, the typhoon is forecast to head northeastward over the sea area south of Japan. (PNA)