Manila: The weather bureau on Thursday alerted that numerous areas, particularly those in the western section of the Philippines, should brace for heavy rainfall with the onset of the southwest monsoon (habagat) season nearing.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) typically announces the start of the habagat season between late May and early June. During a recent interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, PAGASA Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Ana Liza Solis emphasized the high likelihood of heavy rainfall events during the habagat season, especially in light of the developing El Ni±o conditions.

Solis explained that the tropical cyclones expected in this period could amplify the effects of the habagat. Western Luzon, parts of MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), and areas in Panay and Iloilo are projected to be significantly impacted by the monsoon.

She further noted that heavy rainfall, potentially exacerbated by the enhanced habagat and tropical cyclones, could affect regions such as Ilocos (Region 1), the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Central Luzon (Region 3), Southern Luzon (Region 4), parts of MIMAROPA, Panay Island, and Metro Manila. Solis warned that sudden rains and localized thunderstorms might lead to flash floods in vulnerable and flood-prone areas, with continuous rains posing a risk of landslides.

Despite the anticipation of El Ni±o, characterized by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific by midyear, its initial impact is expected to manifest as heavy rainfall events. Solis highlighted that although fewer tropical cyclones are predicted during El Ni±o, those that do occur are typically more destructive, often reaching typhoon and super typhoon categories.

She advised the public to prepare emergency "go bags" and stay informed through official updates from PAGASA and local government units.