THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has officially declared the start of the rainy season in the country Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Pagasa Administrator Vicente Malano said in a press statement that the presence of a frontal system and the occurrence of severe thunderstorms have brought widespread rains during the last five days.

"This satisfies the criteria of the start of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas," said Malano.

The hot season in the country lasted only for a month since it began last April 10, 2022.