Habagat Season Brings Heavy Rains, Hailstorms to the Philippines

Heavy Rains and Hailstorms Lash Philippines as Habagat Season Begins The Philippines is experiencing the onset of the habagat season, bringing heavy rains and strong winds across the archipelago. In Metro Manila, the downpour caused significant traffic disruptions, while Pasay City faced unusually dusty conditions. The most dramatic event occurred in South Cotabato, where a severe hailstorm caused damage to homes and crops. "The hailstones were the size of marbles," said one resident of Tupi, South Cotabato, describing the intensity of the storm. Seventeen houses were damaged in six barangays after the storm. The GMA Integrated News report also highlighted the postponement of a University of Santo Tomas graduation ceremony due to the heavy rain. PAGASA forecasts further rain and the potential declaration of the rainy season in the next two weeks.