The southwest monsoon, also known as Habagat in the Philippines, brings heavy rainfall to the country from June to November. How it Works - The southwest monsoon originates from the Indian Ocean, carrying moist air from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. - These winds blow from the southwest, bringing warm, moist air inland from the sea. - This leads to increased humidity and rainfall, especially in the western parts of the Philippines, including Luzon and the Western Visayas. Effects of the Southwest Monsoon - Beneficial Rainfall: The southwest monsoon provides essential rainfall for agriculture, helping to water crops like rice, sugarcane, tea, and tobacco. - Flooding and Landslides: However, excessive rainfall can also lead to localized flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards. - Interaction with Typhoons: The southwest monsoon can interact with tropical cyclones (typhoons) that enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), resulting in enhanced rainfall and storm-related hazards. - Rough Seas: The southwest monsoon can bring rough seas, strong winds, and challenging sailing conditions on the western coasts of the Philippines. Understanding the Southwest Monsoon It's crucial to understand the southwest monsoon and its effects for disaster preparedness, agriculture planning, and water resource management in the Philippines. Government agencies, meteorological services, and local communities closely monitor Habagat conditions to mitigate the potential impact of heavy rainfall and flooding events
characterized by Pronounced rainy seasons with thunderstorms starting in June and peaks in July to September. precipitation is highest in the area where the Southwest moonsoon strikes