PAGASA declares end of Habagat, rainy season in western Luzon, Visayas

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 06, 2026

Photo courtesy: The Summit Express

MANILA, Philippines — The Southwest Monsoon or Habagat season is officially over, marking a shift in the country’s weather pattern after months of monsoon rains, state weather bureau PAGASA announced on October 5.

PAGASA made the declaration after observing changes in atmospheric conditions over the past several days, including weaker monsoon winds and decreasing rainfall. The weather bureau also cited the strengthening of a high-pressure system over East Asia and the southward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) as indicators that the seasonal pattern has changed. Forecasts show these conditions are likely to continue in the coming days. 

With Habagat officially terminated, PAGASA said the rainy season has likewise ended over the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas, where the southwest monsoon typically brings much of its rainfall. 

The 2026 rainy season was declared on June 4, after PAGASA observed several days of frequent rains associated with Habagat. The agency had warned at the time that the developing El Niño could still coincide with episodes of enhanced monsoon rainfall. 

Those conditions were evident during parts of August. PAGASA documented several episodes of intense Habagat rainfall over Luzon, including an event in late August when a low-pressure area strengthened the monsoon and brought persistent rains, flooding and landslides. 

The end of Habagat, however, should not be interpreted as the immediate start of Amihan, or the Northeast Monsoon. The country typically goes through a transition in prevailing winds and weather conditions before PAGASA separately declares the onset of Amihan. 

The seasonal change also comes as the Philippines experiences El Niño, which PAGASA expects to intensify and increase the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and drought in many parts of the country in the months ahead. 

PAGASA said it will continue monitoring weather and climate conditions and advised the public and government agencies to keep track of official forecasts and advisories.