With the widespread rainfall and thunderstorms brought about by Super Typhoon Betty, the rainy season officially starts, as announced by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In a press release on June 2 by the state weather bureau, the strengthening of the southwest monsoon or habagat, signified the end of the dry season.
Veronica Torres, a PAGASA weather forecaster, mentioned in a report with ANC that the start of the wet season usually occurs between the second half of May to the first half of June. PAGASA said that although the rainy season has started, the country might still experience monsoon breaks "that could last for several days to two weeks."
Monsoon rains, brought by the enhanced habagat, have been causing heavy rainfall and strong winds in Luzon and Western Visayas. Recently, in the country's summer capital, Baguio, people have experienced cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms.
Environmental and health risks
According to the state weather bureau, for the month of June, one or two tropical cyclones may enter or form inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It previously stated that the Philippines might experience 10 to 14 typhoons this year.
Climate Data reveals that the annual rainfall in Baguio City is 3463 millimeters, which is among the highest in the country.
Michaela Jane Rojo, a Baguio resident, shared that she has experienced the changing seasons in the city since her elementary school days until now, during college.
"Nung may dumating na Super Typhoon Henry I think bumuhos yung tubig sa area namin kahit mataas na yung bahay namin. Ito rin yung time na binaha ang Baguio area and La Tri sa may Pico Bayabas kaya may clearing operations na nangyari nun,” she said while recalling her encounter with Super Typhoon Henry, which devastated Northern Luzon in September 2022.
“Ngayong college mas nakita ko talaga yung effect ng climate change kasi aside from sobrang init na January pa lang, late na rin ang rainy season dito ngayon, May last week na siya dumadating,” Rojo added.
A climate change study conducted by the World Wide Fund Philippines (WWF) and the Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation, Inc., suggests that Baguio City's future will be defined by extreme rainfall and intensified tropical cyclones. The study also emphasizes that Baguio may transition from a wet climate to an even wetter one.
Meanwhile, the rainy season in Baguio City also poses health risks, such as dengue. The City Health Services Office (CHSO) encouraged everyone to participate in dengue awareness for the month of June after recording over 306 cases since January this year.
Furthermore, Dr. Donnabel Panes of CHSO mentioned that due to the onset of the rainy season, the city might still expect an increase in cases, even though the current number is below the alert threshold.
Being prepared is essential
On June 2, the Baguio City Guide Facebook page acknowledged PAGASA's declaration of the onset of the rainy season. It also reminded people to prepare their boots and jackets since the city experiences fewer sunny days during this time.
Jovelle Sarmiento, a student at the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB), stated, "I make sure to charge both my phone and laptop since the rainy season also means frequent power outages. I also ensure that I have enough mobile data so that whenever there is a power outage, and I need to submit something online, I am ready."
Furthermore, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) constantly reminds residents of safety tips for the rainy season, including preparing rain gear, carrying extra shirts, staying updated on weather reports, and charging devices such as phones and power banks.
Moira Bolante, a second-year student from Saint Louis University (SLU), shared her experience of initially going home with wet clothes and shoes during her first stay in Baguio. However, she eventually adapted to the demands of the wet season, saying, "I usually prepare an umbrella since the weather in Baguio is unpredictable. I also need an extra pair of shoes because drying them out for a day is impossible."
Last year’s rainy season started on May 18 and lasted until Oct. 5.
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