Southwesterly Wind Flow Affects Parts of Luzon
The southwesterly wind flow began influencing several areas in Luzon on Thursday, May 29, according to weather experts. This wind pattern marks the early stage of the southwest monsoon, commonly known as the “habagat.”
Local meteorological specialists explained that the southwesterly wind flow generally brings light to moderate rainfall, occasionally leading to heavy showers that can result in flooding and landslides.
By Thursday, cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms were already reported in the Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Bataan, Zambales, and Palawan.
Areas Under Weather Watch Until Early June
The southwesterly wind flow is expected to continue affecting the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Metro Manila, parts of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa until Monday, June 2. Residents in these locations should prepare for occasional heavy rains that may raise the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in vulnerable communities.
Onset of Rainy Season Approaching
Due to this shift in wind patterns and the increase in rainfall, conditions are becoming favorable for the official declaration of the rainy season early next week. Weather authorities anticipate announcing the start of the southwest monsoon or rainy season during the first days of June.
The rainy season is officially declared when the southwest monsoon becomes the dominant wind pattern and at least 25 millimeters of rain is recorded for five consecutive days at seven or more monitoring stations in western Luzon.
Additional Weather Developments to Monitor
Meanwhile, a frontal system—created by the clash of cold and warm air masses—is expected to bring rain and isolated thunderstorms over Batanes and Cagayan on Friday, continuing into the morning of Saturday, May 31. Weather authorities are closely monitoring this situation and may issue heavy rainfall warnings and other advisories if necessary.
In other parts of the country, localized thunderstorms will prevail as easterly winds from the Pacific Ocean weaken and no longer directly influence the area.
For more news and updates on weather developments, visit Filipinokami.com.