MANILA - State weather bureau PAGASA on Friday declared the start of the rainy season.
In a statement, PAGASA said this is due to the occurrence of "scattered to at times widespread rainfall" linked to the Southwest Monsoon.
It added that rains will continue to persist in the country, particularly in the western sections of Luzon and Visayas.
PAGASA also said "monsoon breaks" or short breaks in rainfall may also occur for several days or weeks at a time.
PAGASA said rainfall conditions for July are expected to be "above normal" in most parts of Luzon and Visayas.
Rainfall conditions in Mindanao and Southern Visayas are expected to be "generally below normal," the state weather bureau added.
However, PAGASA also said weak El Niño conditions which were felt in the tropical Pacific since the last quarter of 2018 is "likely to continue" within June, July, and August.
It also reminded the public to prepare for the impact of the rainy season.