MANILA - State weather bureau PAGASA on Friday afternoon announced the start of the rainy season in the Philippines, after tropical cyclone Dante dumped heavy rains in parts of the country this week.

In a statement, PAGASA said intermittent rains brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat would still affect the capital region and the Philippines' western part.

"The passage of Tropical Storm Dante and the occurrence of widespread rainfall monitored by PAGASA in the last 5 days for areas under Type I climate confirm the onset of the rainy season," the statement read.

• READ: Onset of monsoon season possible between end-May to mid-June: PAGASA

"Near to above" usual rainfall conditions can be experienced this month and in July, with occasional monsoon breaks, or "breaks in rainfall events."

Monsoon breaks can happen for "several days or weeks," according to the weather agency.

Dante, the country's fourth tropical cyclone this year, returned to the country's area of responsibility on Friday afternoon.

• READ: 'Dante' death toll rises to 6, leaves over P63 million in agri damage

The tropical cyclone, which weakened into a tropical depression, made a total of 6 landfalls at its peak.

It killed 6 people, and left over P63 million worth of damage in the agricultural sector.

• READ: 'Dante' reenters PH as it weakens, Batanes under Signal No. 1

Visit the ABS-CBN Weather Center for more updates

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