Habagat Unleashes Widespread Downpours as Typhoon Inday Exits Philippine Territory

MANILA, Philippines — Just as Typhoon Inday (international name: Gaemi) begins its departure from the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the southwest monsoon—locally known as habagat—is poised to deliver a punishing round of widespread rains across Luzon and the Visayas, state weather bureau PAGASA warned on Saturday.

The shift in weather patterns comes as Inday, which has been battering northern provinces with heavy winds and rain, moves northwestward toward mainland Asia. But instead of relief, the typhoon's exit is triggering an intensification of the habagat, dragging moist air from the South China Sea into the archipelago.

What the Forecast Shows

According to PAGASA's latest bulletin, the enhanced monsoon will bring:

• Moderate to heavy rains over Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and the Bicol Region
• Scattered to widespread showers across Western Visayas, including Cebu and Negros provinces
• Gusty conditions in coastal areas, particularly along the western seaboard of Luzon
• Potential flash floods and landslides in low-lying and mountainous communities

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja explained that while Inday is moving away, its interaction with the habagat creates a "suction effect," pulling more moisture into the country. "We are not yet out of the danger zone," Estareja said in a briefing. "The monsoon is now the primary weather maker, and it will persist for at least the next 48 hours."

A Double Whammy for Affected Regions

This weather scenario is particularly concerning because many areas are already saturated from days of continuous rainfall. In Cebu, local disaster risk reduction offices have been placed on alert, with residents in flood-prone barangays advised to prepare for possible evacuations.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over 12,000 families were preemptively evacuated in northern Luzon during Inday's peak. Now, those same communities face renewed threats from the habagat.

The Science Behind the Soggy Spell

The habagat is a seasonal wind pattern that typically runs from June to October, bringing rain to the western parts of the Philippines. However, when a typhoon passes near the country—even if it doesn't make landfall—it can "enhance" the monsoon by drawing in more moisture and strengthening wind flow.

This phenomenon is well-documented: In 2018, Typhoon Mangkhut (locally known as Ompong) triggered deadly monsoon rains that caused widespread flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, even though the typhoon itself hit northern Luzon. Similarly, in 2023, Typhoon Egay (Doksuri) led to weeks of habagat rains that submerged entire towns in Pampanga and Bulacan.

What This Means for Filipinos

For millions of residents in the affected areas, the immediate concern is safety. PAGASA has advised:

• Avoid unnecessary travel in areas with heavy rainfall
• Monitor local alerts for flood-prone zones
• Secure loose objects that could be carried by strong winds
• Prepare emergency kits with food, water, flashlights, and batteries

Fisherfolk and small boat operators are also warned against venturing out into the western seaboard, where sea conditions may become rough due to the enhanced monsoon.

Looking Ahead

The habagat is expected to persist through Monday, with gradual improvement by midweek as Inday moves further away and a high-pressure area builds over the Pacific. However, PAGASA has not ruled out the possibility of another low-pressure area forming in the coming days, which could prolong the rainy spell.

For now, the message from authorities is clear: The typhoon may be leaving, but the monsoon is just getting started. Filipinos from Ilocos to Cebu should remain vigilant, stay informed, and prioritize safety as the habagat delivers its seasonal punch.

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This article is based on reports from PAGASA, the Philippine News Agency, and Cebu Daily News. For real-time updates, follow @dost_pagasa on social media.