Southwest Monsoon to Persist Across Luzon and Visayas, Weather Agency Warns

MANILA, Philippines — Residents across Luzon and the Visayas should keep their umbrellas handy as the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," is expected to continue bringing scattered rains through Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced.

The persistent weather system, which has been drenching large parts of the archipelago for days, shows no signs of letting up as the country remains in the thick of its rainy season.

What to Expect on Sunday

PAGASA's latest bulletin indicates that the habagat will continue to affect western sections of Luzon and the Visayas, with varying intensities of rainfall expected throughout the day. Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are forecast for Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, and several provinces in the Visayas region.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Central Luzon can expect similar conditions as the monsoon trough remains entrenched over the western seaboard.

A Developing Weather Scenario

Adding to the complexity of the forecast is the potential re-entry of a tropical disturbance into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Reports indicate that the weather system, previously tracked as it moved away from the country's borders, may make a return — a development that could enhance monsoon rains further.

According to separate weather reports, light rains are expected on Sunday, but forecasters warn that downpours may resume by Monday as the interacting weather systems could intensify rainfall across affected regions.

Understanding the Habagat

The southwest monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that typically prevails from June to September, bringing warm, moisture-laden air from the southwest. When this air mass encounters the country's mountain ranges, it triggers orographic rainfall — a phenomenon that often results in prolonged wet conditions in western portions of the archipelago.

Unlike typhoons, which are characterized by their rotational structure and defined centers, the habagat produces more widespread but generally less intense rainfall. However, prolonged monsoon rains can be equally dangerous, leading to flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards.

Preparedness and Public Safety

Local government units and disaster risk reduction offices in affected areas have been placed on alert, with many prepositioning rescue equipment and relief supplies. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to monitor weather updates regularly and heed evacuation orders from local authorities.

The Department of Health has also reminded the public to take precautions against waterborne diseases, which tend to spike during extended rainy periods. Boiling drinking water, proper food handling, and maintaining good hygiene practices are strongly recommended.

Looking Ahead

Weather experts suggest that the Philippines may experience above-normal rainfall for the remainder of the monsoon season, driven by a combination of the active southwest monsoon and the possible development of more tropical cyclones in the coming weeks.

For now, the immediate concern remains the cumulative effect of continuous rainfall on already saturated soil and swollen river systems. Communities in landslide-prone areas, particularly in mountainous regions of Luzon and the Visayas, should remain vigilant.

The public is encouraged to stay informed through official PAGASA channels and local weather bulletins, as forecasts can change rapidly depending on the movement of weather systems. As the nation has learned through countless weather events, preparedness remains the most effective defense against nature's unpredictability.

With the rainy season far from over, the coming days will test the resilience of affected communities — but with proper preparation and timely information, the impact of these weather disturbances can be significantly mitigated.