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MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon or “habagat,” may begin by the end of May or the first week of June, the state weather bureau said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) likewise warned of heavier rains over the western sections of the country due to the developing El Niño.

During its 196th Climate Forum on Tuesday, Pagasa said the country is already transitioning toward the “habagat” season.

“Usually, the southwest monsoon starts between May 16 and the second week of June, but based on our current forecast, it may begin by the end of May or during the first week of June,” Joey Figuracion of Pagasa’s Climatology and Agrometeorology Division explained.