What to expect and what to prepare now that the rainy season in the Philippines has officially started?
Lately, severe thunderstorms and heavy rains are constant occurrences every day. You may find yourself sweating while doing your morning chores and pulling out an umbrella in the afternoon. However, only halfway through May, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has already announced the start of the rainy season in the Philippines. Now, we officially say goodbye to the dry season and welcome the days of tropical storms and tropical cyclones.
What are the climate and seasons in the Philippines?
According to the weather bureau PAGASA, the Philippines has a maritime and tropical climate. This means we experience a relatively high temperature, humidity, and abundant rainfall. Technically speaking, there are only two major seasons in the Philippines — wet and dry season. Furthermore, the dry season is divided into the cool-dry season (from November to February) and the hot-dry season (from March to May). This month, the rainy season came early.
For tourists who want to visit the Philippines for the beaches, this means putting off their plans after monsoon breaks and end of total rainfall. However, this does not mean that every part of the country experiences the same weather. For one, the average annual rainfall and average temperatures during the wet season vary per area. In other parts of the country, there is also no well-defined dry season to consider as the summer months.
What to expect during the rainy season in the Philippines?
During the rainy season, people experience above normal rainfall conditions, tropical cyclones, severe thunderstorms southwesterly wind flow, and even southwest monsoon rains within the Philippine area of responsibility. The season does not only bring inconveniences. Heavy rains pose many problems, from disasters to diseases.
Outdoor threats during the rainy season
Rain is more inconvenient outside, especially when you are commuting. Heavy rains can sometimes cause flooding on roads and highways. During tropical storms and typhoons, winds can get strong and destroy outdoor instillments like billboards and towers.
Another common occurrence during the rainy season is power outages, disrupting daily tasks and business. In high-risk places, landslides can also occur and destroy entire home and villages.
Common threats to homes during the rainy season
During the rainy season, your home is prone to many structural problems, no matter how well-built your house is. One common problem among homes of any kind is roof leaks. These roof leaks can lead to discoloration and damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors.
Aside from your roof, your drain pipes can also leak and overflow, leaving you with more things to clean up. And another headache during the wet season is molds and moss that can persistently grow anywhere around your house. Mold build-up is bad for the family’s health. Lastly, aside from cool winds, the rain can also bring unwanted pests and insects inside your home that may be carriers of diseases.
How to protect your home during the rainy season?
To prepare your home for the wet season, consider the exterior as much as the interior environment. If you are expecting heavy rains in your area, check your roof and drainpipes, and do not wait for the rain to signal where your house needs fixing.
Aside from your roofs, the windows can also be an entry point for water to get inside your house. That said, make sure your windows are made of water-resistant materials. Additionally, if your windows have hinges, ensure they are properly installed so that no liquid or moisture seeps in.
For houses prone to moss and mold growth, make sure that you have stocked up on bleach for your walls and floors. Another concern are pieces of furniture prone to molds brought by the damp air. To avoid mold growth on your precious items, keep them away from doors, windows, and other nooks that are damper than the rest of your house.
Common health threats during the rainy season
The entrance of the rainy season is a threat to our health. On top of the current health threat and protocols, the Department of Health (DOH) also advises the public about the most common diseases during this season. DOH lists the following as the illnesses and diseases that frequently spike in cases during the rainy season:
- Diarrhea
- Typhoid Fever
- Cholera
- Leptospirosis
- Dengue Fever
- Malaria
How to protect your health during the rainy season?
Before going out and braving the rain, follow the minimum health requirements to protect yourself against Covid-19. This includes wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and sanitizing. Still, the best protection against Covid-19 is still getting vaccinated and booster shots. With the rise of new virus variants in the country, it is still best to follow the protocols regardless of your vaccination status.
Aside from complying with the pandemic health protocols, it is also best to build healthy habits. Start by eating a well-balanced diet, loading up on vitamins, and staying hydrated. This simple way helps you strengthen your immune system and fight viruses. On top of eating healthy, having a good sleep is also essential.
Ensuring you are physically and mentally well is crucial on any given day. Thus, remember that mental health is as important as physical health in fighting illnesses and diseases during the rainy season; take time to rest and expose yourself to a clean and peaceful environment.
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