Pagasa warns of summer hailstorms

MANILA, Philippines - Hailstorms are likely to occur in the summer months, the state weather bureau warned the public yesterday.

Nathaniel Servando, administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration issued the warning after PAGASA’s Quick Response Team was deployed to Frisco, Quezon City yesterday following reports of a hailstorm in the area that hurt at least nine children.

The hailstorm was reported as the weakening northeast monsoon dumped heavy rains in several parts of Metro Manila, causing traffic jams along major thoroughfares.

“We can expect frequent occurrence of hailstorms especially in May before the start of the rainy season,” Servando told The STAR, adding that hailstorms usually occur during severe thunderstorms.

The PAGASA said the northeast monsoon is expected to further weaken this weekend.

The state weather bureau has not yet declared the onset of summer despite the hot weather recorded in the past days due to the easterlies, which are warm winds from the Pacific Ocean.