It’s official: the rainy season has come again to the Philippines. This was confirmed by the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as of June 2, 2023.
In the press release, PAGASA further stated that although El Niño — a phenomenon characterized by below-normal rainfall — may start in the “next couple of months,” the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) can still be expected, resulting in above-normal rainfall conditions. Because the rainy season has already begun, PAGASA has advised the public to take “precautionary measures.”
So, how do you prepare for the rainy season in the Philippines?
Below is a guide on when the peak of the wet season is, and five ways to be ready for the changes caused by its onset.
When is the rainy season in the Philippines?
According to PAGASA, the Philippines’ climate can be categorized into two major seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season in the Philippines usually occurs every June until November, leaving the dry season between the months of December to May of the following year. The typhoon season in the Philippines peaks between July to October as well, when almost 70% of all typhoons develop.
What is the rainy season like in the Philippines?
Although the rainy season can mean cooler weather compared to the hot, dry season, the wet season in the Philippines also means an increase in the frequency of storms. This means that Filipinos can expect these months to have the most rainy days in the Philippines. During this time, preparing for potential disasters is another thing to consider.
To prepare yourself for the rainy season and the possible typhoons, below are five practical tips to take note of.
5 Ways to Prepare for the Rainy Season in the Philippines
1. Prepare Before and During Driving
Given how slippery roads are during the rainy months, it’s best for car owners and drivers to exercise safety on the road. To help decrease the risk of accidents during the wet season, drivers should remember to:
- Check the car’s condition before driving. Regular car maintenance is a must especially if drivers want to avoid experiencing any accidents on the road. Replacing worn windshield wipers is particularly important if you want to ensure better visibility despite heavy rains. Ensuring that your brakes are working properly is also critical in preventing or mitigating road mishaps.
- Know the best routes. Some roads are more prone to flooding than others. It’s beneficial for drivers to know which ones to avoid, since these roads tend to cause heavy traffic.
- Drive slower. Driving in the rain can be dangerous, due to how prone you are to losing control of the car’s steering over slippery roads. It’s important to manage your car’s speed as an extra precaution when driving under rainy conditions.
2. Prepare Your Clothing and Items
Changing your outfit and items based on the weather is another good way to be ready when it’s the peak of the Philippines’ wet season. For those who need to commute or walk in the rain, some tips for them are to:
- Wear water-resistant footwear. This can mean packing the actual shoes for your outfit, and wearing boots instead for your commute. Aside from keeping your shoes dry, wearing footwear that is appropriate for the rain can further protect you from contracting diseases caused by floodwater, such as leptospirosis.
- Choose a folding umbrella. While carrying an umbrella is a given during the rainy season, choosing a folding umbrella can provide added convenience for commuters. Smaller, folding umbrellas are easier to handle compared to bigger ones, and this comes in handy, particularly when going in or out of public transportation such as jeepneys.
- Bring a small purse. Bringing a small coin purse instead of a big wallet lets you easily access your items, such as your payment for public transportation. This will be helpful, especially since you may be holding other items in your hand, like your umbrella, as you travel.
3. Prepare Your Health
The onset of some illnesses is associated with the coming of the rainy season in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health, some of the common illnesses include diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, malaria, and dengue. In addition, there is an increased risk of acquiring skin diseases.
To prevent yourself from contracting these conditions, some experts advise to:
- Avoid food and water contamination. Diarrhea, typhoid fever, and cholera are all caused by contaminated food and water, so it’s important to ensure that your drinking comes from a safe source. Food must also be cooked well and stored properly to avoid being contaminated by animals. As always, remember to wash your hands before and after handling your food.
- Build a strong resistance. It’s recommended to boost your immunity against common diseases even before the onset of the rainy months. This can be achieved by practicing good personal hygiene, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and getting vaccinated against common preventable infections.
- Keep your surroundings clean. Sanitizing your environment is another way to keep yourself healthy. This includes proper laundry care during the rainy season, since wet clothes can cause the buildup of bacteria and allergens.
4. Prepare Your Home
A lot of the preparations for the rainy season in the Philippines involve “rain-proofing” your home. Aside from keeping your home environment clean, you can also:
- Protect your home from leaks. Check your roof for leaks and other early signs of water damage. One way to do this is to thoroughly scan your ceiling for any dark spots, watermarks, or molds that can be caused by cracks in the roof. Your windows and doors should seal properly as well, to prevent rainwater from coming into the house.
- Arrange your items. You might have some items in your home placed outdoors during the dry season, but now need to be taken inside the house during the wet season. Consider moving items that might get drenched during strong rains; this can be an outdoor sofa that’s not made of waterproof material, or a house plant that cannot survive in extremely wet conditions.
- Prepare your electronics. Brownouts can become more common, especially during the rainy months in the Philippines. This can be extremely inconvenient for students and professionals who are studying or working from home. Ensure that your home’s electrical wirings are maintained by a licensed electrician to avoid accidents that damage your gadgets or cause electrocutions. You can also take extra steps that can protect your phone during the rain.
5. Prepare for Disasters
More tropical cyclones are crossing the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) than any other country, with an average of 20 tropical cyclones in the span of a year. That being said, disaster and calamity prevention is a must for many Filipinos during the rainy season.
During the rainiest months in the Philippines, some disaster prevention practices are to:
- Examine your surroundings for safety hazards. Cyclones can bring powerful winds and rain which can damage different kinds of structures, including old posts and trees. Check the surroundings of your home and your neighbors’ for any kind of unstable structure which may fall over during a storm. Contact your local government unit (LGU) in case there are public structures that pose a hazard to nearby residents.
- Know your evacuation protocols. Disasters due to typhoons are common in the Philippines during the rainy season. Because of this, your LGU may have evacuation protocols that will apply to your residential area should the need arise. Take the time to ask your neighbors and research these protocols. Moreover, it’s important to review your own emergency guidelines during an evacuation, especially if you have kids. Discuss important details such as emergency contact numbers and meeting locations.
- Have a first aid kit ready. You never know when disaster might strike, so having a first aid kit that’s readily available and well-stocked with the essential supplies is a must. Remember that your first aid kit might need to be stocked with supplies that are specific to your needs (such as personal medications). Additionally, you may need to put together a first aid kit for your pets.
Be Ready for the Rainy Season in the Philippines
The rainy season is officially here, and although the rains can bring relief from the heat of the dry season, it’s also advisable to make several preparations due to this change in weather. These preparations can affect varying activities, from your daily drive or commute, to the health and safety within your own home.
When it comes to disaster preparation, it’s always crucial to stay on-guard against potential hazards no matter what the season may be. Preparations for disaster during the rainy season rely on building the capacity of every unit in the community. This involves both short- and long-term planning from the government, down to the preparedness of each individual.
Aside from the tips listed above, be on the lookout for the latest news from your LGU regarding developments on your local weather and climate. Continue browsing our blogs for similar articles that further discuss the latest news updates.
5 Things to Consider During the Rainy Season in the Philippines
Source: News Paper Radio
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