Manila: The weather bureau announced on Tuesday the termination of the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season, signaling the transition to the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season.

According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Administrator Nathaniel Servando stated in a release that a gradual change in the country’s weather pattern has been observed. This shift is attributed to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia and the southward migration of the intertropical convergence zone.

The end of the “habagat” season also signifies the conclusion of the rainy period in the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas. Servando noted that the country is now transitioning to the northeast monsoon season, which will be officially observed and announced in the coming weeks.

Last year, the onset of the “amihan” season, which is characterized by colder air in most parts of the country, was declared on November 19.