Weather Today – May 13, 2015 | Dolphin intensifies, still too far to affect PH

The tropical storm with international name “Dolphin” continues to intensify as it moves over the Pacific Ocean. Dolphin is a cyclone name contributed by Hongkong, referring to the white dolphin found in its waters. When a tropical storm is still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it is called by its international name but once it enters our boundary, it will then be given a local name. Dolphin is expected to enter the PAR by weekend and will be named “Egay.”

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Alvin Pura said this tropical storm will possibly intensify further before reaching the PAR. However, the latest models show that Dolphin will not make landfall but will re-curve instead. Thus, there is a slim chance for it to hit the landmass. Still, continuous monitoring is still a must.

As of now, Dolphin is still too far to directly affect the country. The ridge or the extended part of a high pressure area (HPA) prevails as the dominant weather system within the PAR today. Generally fair weather will be experienced in most parts of the country aside from the possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

On the other hand, rain showers and thunderstorms have frequently occured during the past few days. Many have asked if the rainy season has already begun. Pura said we often experience rains due to the localized thunderstorms, which are just normal during May. Related article: THUNDERSTORM: Is it normal during “tag-init”?

Meanwhile, the hot and dry season is still on. NAIA Parañaque felt the highest temperature yesterday. Here are the top 5 highest temperatures recorded by PAGASA:

Powerful earthquake strikes Japan

Aside from the strong quake felt yesterday in Nepal, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake jolted Northeastern Japan early this morning. The US Geological Survey located the epicenter at 33 kilometers southeast of Ofunato, Japan with a depth of 38.9 kilometers, equivalent to 24.1 miles. Reports said train services were temporarily suspended after the quake.