Monsoon downpours driven by the southwest monsoon (habagat) delivered up to triple the expected August rainfall across multiple areas in Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA reported on Tuesday, September 1.
During a news briefing, PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja revealed that La Trinidad, Benguet recorded the country’s highest rainfall accumulation from August 1 to 31, totaling 2,868.7 millimeters. The figure represents 298% of the location’s monthly average of 963.3 millimeters.
“Halos pang tatlong buwan na ulan yung inulan po sa La Trinidad Benguet for the month of August 2026,” Estareja noted.
Iba, Zambales followed with 2,630 millimeters—284% of its typical monthly average—while Baguio City logged 2,626.26 millimeters, reaching 273% of its usual 963.2-millimeter baseline. Estareja highlighted that both locations experienced nearly three times their standard August precipitation.
Abucay, Bataan rounded out the top five highest monthly totals with 2,210 millimeters, though comparative historical data was unavailable because the monitoring facility was recently established. Olongapo City reached 2,100 millimeters, representing 243% of its normal monthly rainfall.
In Metro Manila, the PAGASA Science Garden station in Quezon City accumulated 1,510 millimeters of rain, amounting to 266% of its 568.5-millimeter average.
“Nakakontribute po yung ganito karaming ulan na 1,500 millimeters nung August 8, nung August 17, nung August 29,” Estareja explained, citing key dates of intense rainfall throughout the month.