Get your umbrellas and raincoats ready.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Wednesday that Typhoon Aghon has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
As of 4:00 p.m., the typhoon's center was located approximately 1,225 km east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon, moving northeastward at a pace of 35 kilometers per hour (km/h).
Typhoon Aghon recorded maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 150 km/h, and a central pressure of 975 hectopascals (hPa).
PAGASA issued a warning of strong to typhoon-force winds, extending outward up to 320 km from the center.
No tropical cyclone wind signals have been raised at present, indicating that severe impacts from Aghon's winds are becoming less likely within the forecast period.
However, PAGASA noted that the southwesterly windblow, partly influenced by the typhoon, will bring occasional gusty conditions over various areas for the next 24 hours.
Rainfall outlook
Typhoon “Aghon” is expected to bring minimal rainfall directly over the next three days.
Instead, the southwesterly windblow is forecasted to bring moderate to heavy rains over specific western portions of Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and MIMAROPA until Thursday.
Additionally, occasional gusty conditions are expected in certain areas over the next three days and into Friday.
Onset of rainy season
With Aghon's departure from the PAR, PAGASA officially declared the onset of the rainy season in the Philippines.
Significant rainfall in recent days, along with the passage of Typhoon Aghon and the Southwest Monsoon (HABAGAT), prompted this declaration.
PAGASA also mentioned the likelihood of La Niña conditions developing through July, August, and September, which could lead to above-normal rainfall in some areas, particularly towards the end of the year.
Agricultural damage
The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported over P57 million in damages and losses to the country's crop production due to typhoon “Aghon.”
CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions were the most affected, with 1,145 farmers impacted.
High-value crop output suffered the most significant losses, followed by rice production and corn cultivation.
Agricultural infrastructure, livestock, and poultry also experienced damage.
In response, the DA outlined various assistance measures to aid the recovery of affected farmers, including the distribution of seeds, planting materials, and financial support programs.
The impact of “Aghon” serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters, especially as the rainy season commences in the Philippines.
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