The weather bureau is expecting a normal onset of rainy season this week, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Administrator Nathaniel Servando said.

“We are closely monitoring the criteria if these were already met,” Servando told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Among the indicators prior to the declaration of rainy season include the persistence of low-level southwesterly windflow in the western section of Luzon, and the weakening of the easterly winds.

Pagasa is also considering the rainfall amounts recorded along the western part of the country (Visayas and Luzon).

On Friday afternoon, May 30, Pagasa declared the start of the habagat — one of the precursors of the onset of the rainy season.

“As we speak, we are also drafting a statement on the onset of habagat, associated with southwest windflow and rains particularly over the western section of Luzon,” he said.

“As the habagat becomes more dominant, occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected, particularly over the western sections of the country. This may lead to the possible onset of the rainy season within the next two weeks,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Servando said Pagasa is not expecting the entire month of June to be rainy.

“It is common to observe breaks or sunny days,” he added.

For this weekend, meanwhile, rains will prevail over the western section of Luzon, Servando said. (PNA)