THE provinces of Cebu and Bohol are expected to experience the effects of the southwest monsoon, or habagat, this week.
This will bring more frequent localized rains and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons and evenings, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas.
Ana Dumdum, a weather specialist at Pagasa Visayas, said in a phone interview on Sunday, June 1, 2025, that isolated rain showers and thunderstorms will become more common throughout the week in Central Visayas. This is due to the habagat’s increasing influence, even as partly cloudy to cloudy skies continue.
“Although the skies remain partly cloudy to cloudy, we’re now seeing more signs of afternoon and evening thunderstorms across Cebu and Bohol,” Dumdum said.
The region is currently in a transitional period, she explained.
Meteorological indicators, such as weakening easterly winds and the dominance of southwesterly wind flow, signal the initial effects of the southwest monsoon.
However, Dumdum clarified that the onset of the rainy season has not yet been declared, as other criteria must first be met — further weakening of the easterlies and a five-day period that records a total rainfall of 25 millimeters or more.
Meanwhile, the Pagasa Central Office issued a bulletin on Friday, May 30, declaring the start of the southwest monsoon over the western section of Luzon.
The announcement cited persistent low-level southwesterly winds and a frontal system over extreme Northern Luzon as indicators of habagat activity. These changes, along with weakening easterlies, are precursors to the rainy season.
Pagasa warned of potential impacts, including flooding and rain-induced landslides, especially in vulnerable areas. The public was advised to take precautionary measures and monitor weather updates.
In Metro Cebu and other urban areas of Central Visayas, residents were urged to remain vigilant for localized flooding.
Dumdum added that while widespread rain is not expected daily, thunderstorm activity will likely increase as the region moves closer to the full onset of the rainy season. / CDF