Philippines’ 2026 rainy season begins

MANILA, Philippines – The weather bureau declared the start of the rainy season on Thursday, June 4, five days after it announced the onset of the southwest monsoon or habagat.

In a statement on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that the southwest monsoon brought occasional to frequent rain over the past five days.

“This signifies the onset of the rainy season across the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas,” PAGASA said.

Rainfall monitoring stations located in the western portions of Luzon and the Visayas are used as basis for declaring the beginning of the rainy season.

At least seven of these 13 stations, or more than 50%, should have a total of at least 25 millimeters of rain in a five-day period, with at least 1 mm for three consecutive days.

Prevailing winds should also have “westerly components…over the western Philippines.”

The rainy season usually begins in the second half of May or first half of June, and lasts until October or November.

PAGASA also warned the public that the looming El Niño, which might begin in the June-July-August 2026 period, could trigger more rain from the southwest monsoon. This is possible because El Niño disrupts wind patterns.

Tropical cyclones can also pull and enhance the southwest monsoon. For the next six months, or from June to November, PAGASA said nine to 13 tropical cyclones could form within or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

So far, the Philippines has had four tropical cyclones in 2026. The country gets an average of 20 tropical cyclones each year.

“The public and all concerned agencies are advised to take precautionary measures against the adverse impacts of the rainy season, habagat, and other climate and weather events,” PAGASA said.

While the rainy season is underway, there will be monsoon breaks or periods with very little or no rainfall. These periods may last for several days or even weeks. – Rappler.com