The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Thursday the southwest monsoon is ''now officially over.''

''The season in the Philippines is now in a gradual transition to the Northeast Monsoon (NE) season and may be apparent and declared in the coming weeks,'' said Pagasa officer-in-charge Nathaniel Servando in a statement.

With the ongoing El Nino conditions, Servando said '' there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country.''

Servando said the ''below-normal conditions'' will be felt ''during the last quarter of the year up to the first quarter of 2024.''

He said this could ''adversely affect the different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety, and other key sectors in the country.'' DMS