The Philippines, a tropical archipelago, experiences only two distinct seasons—the Dry Season and the Wet Season—unlike countries above and below the equator that enjoy four.
- Dry Season: November to May
- Wet Season: June to October
These seasons are largely influenced by monsoon winds:
- Amihan (Northeast Monsoon): Brings cooler air and less rainfall, typically from November to February.
- Habagat (Southwest Monsoon): Brings warm, moist air and heavy rains, usually from June to October.
You might notice that March to May isn’t covered by either monsoon. This period is known as the Inter-Monsoon Period, which marks the Philippine summer. During this time, another wind system called the Easterlies—part of the global trade wind system—blows from the Pacific Ocean toward the eastern parts of the country, contributing to hot and humid weather.
🌧️ What Happens During the Habagat Season?
As of this writing, we are in the Habagat season, when typhoons are more frequent. The wind blows from the southwest to the northeast, carrying warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. This results in:
- Heavy and frequent rainfall
- Thunderstorms and typhoons
- High humidity and cloudy skies
- Flooding, landslides, and increasingly, storm surges
🩺 Common Health Risks During Habagat
The wet conditions during the Habagat season create an environment that fosters several illnesses. Here are the most common health risks:
🦟 1. Dengue Fever
- Cause: Mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti)
- Why it spreads: Stagnant water from floods becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes
- Symptoms: High fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, bleeding
💧 2. Waterborne Diseases
Caused by contaminated water due to flooding and poor sanitation:
- Cholera: Severe diarrhea and dehydration
- Hepatitis A: Jaundice, fever, abdominal pain
- Typhoid Fever: High fever, weakness, stomach pain
- Prevention: Boil drinking water, maintain proper hygiene, and dispose of waste properly
🐀 3. Leptospirosis
- Cause: Contact with floodwater contaminated by rat urine
- Symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, vomiting; severe cases may lead to kidney or liver damage
- Prevention: Avoid wading in floodwaters; wear protective boots if necessary
🤧 4. Influenza-like Illnesses
- Cause: Viral infections spread in crowded, damp environments
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches
- Prevention: Practice good hygiene, avoid crowded places, and maintain proper nutrition
Stay safe and informed during the Habagat season. Understanding the weather patterns and health risks can help you prepare and protect yourself and your family.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 