Habagat

Habagat is the Philippine name for the southwest monsoon, a prevailing wind system that brings moist air from the Indian Ocean and South China Sea over the Philippines and parts of Southeast Asia. The term is derived from the Tagalog word “bagat,” meaning “to bend or curve,” reflecting the wind’s curving path. It is one of the two primary monsoon systems in the region, the other being the northeast monsoon known locally as Amihan.

The habagat season typically begins in early May and ends in late October. During this period, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts northward, and the Pacific subtropical high increases in strength, allowing moist air to be driven southward. Persistent storms and squall lines form as the airflow encounters the complex topography of the Philippine archipelago, producing heavy rainfall. Average precipitation during habagat can exceed 3,000 mm in some areas, with monthly totals in the range of 200–300 mm being common.

The habagat brings both benefits and challenges. Positive effects include replenishment of water resources, support for rice and coconut farming, and improved fisheries as warm waters increase marine productivity. Negative impacts involve flooding, landslides, and agricultural damage, especially on slopes and low‑lying plains. The season is also associated with typhoons that form in the western Pacific, which often carry habagat characteristics.

Meteorologists use the habagat/ amihan distinction to anticipate weather patterns, water management needs, and disaster preparedness. Seasonal forecasting often ties habagat activity to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases; El Niño tends to intensify habagat winds and rainfall, while La Niña can moderate them.

Overall, habagat is a critical component of the Philippines’ climatic pattern, shaping agriculture, water resources, and daily life for millions of residents.