After the sweltering heat of the past few months, we now brace ourselves for rains asPAGASA declared the onset of the rainy season yesterday afternoon, May 24, 2016.
In a press statement, the weather bureau said that widespread rainfall has been observed these past few days. Winds, which previously moved from the east, have now changed from a south to southwest direction, indicating the shift from dry to wet season.
Due to the warm and moist characteristics of the “habagat” or the southwest monsoon, rains and thunderstorms will be frequently experienced in several parts of the country. However, PAGASA clarified that tag-ulan will be mostly experienced over the Climate Type 1 areas, covering the western parts of Luzon and Visayas.
Last year, the onset of tag-ulan was announced on June 23, 2015— delayed compared to this year. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar said there is nothing unusual with this because the rainy season normally occurs during the last week of May until early June.
“Mas maaga nga ito compared noong nakaraang taon dahil maaga ring nag-umpisa ang onset sa bahagi ng India, Bangladesh at Myanmar… at kapag nag-south to southwest na rin ang hangin sa bahagi ng China. South to southwest na rin po ang hangin lalo na sa western side ng ating bansa,” Escullar said in an interview with Panahon TV.
Meanwhile, here are the criteria for declaring the onset of tag-ulan:
– A five-day period within April, May, June or July with a total rainfall amount of 25 millimeters or more with three consecutive days having at least 1 millimeter of rainfall per day. This must be recorded at no less than five of these stations: Laoag, Vigan, Dagupan, Iba, Mindoro Occidental, Ambulong, Iloilo, and Metro Manila.
– At least two out of three stations in Metro Manila must have satisfied the first criterion simultaneously.
– Prevailing winds in the Western Philippines should have westerly to southwesterly components. The southwest monsoon,commonly known as hanging habagat, should also be the dominant wind system.
Although some of these criteria are yet to be satisfied, PAGASA decided to declare the onset ahead of time to prepare the public for heavier rains in the coming days. Escullar added that within the next three days, there is a big possibility that all the criteria will be observed.
Now that tag-ulan has arrived, all are advised to regularly bring umbrellas and raincoats. Know more about what to bring in “TAG-ULAN” Checklist: Rainy Day Essentials.
La Niña
El Niño is expected to return to a neutral condition by the end of July. But, there is still a 50% chance that La Niña will develop in the Pacific Ocean. It will possibly affect the country in the last quarter of 2016 (October- December).
Know more: El Niño to end, La Niña to follow?
Swimming, trekking, family outings, road trips—now that summer vacation is about to end, you’ve probably had your fair share of these activities, which involve basking in nature’s beauty. But to make your break more meaningful, why not give back to nature by engaging in eco-friendly endeavors?
As May is considered Volunteerism Month, here are some of the environmental organizations you can join:
Haribon Foundation
Haribon Foundation is known for conserving sites and habitats, saving species, encouraging sustainability, and empowering people. It was established in 1972, and is now recognized as a pioneer in the environmental movement.
“Haribon” refers to the “Haring Ibon” or the endangered Philippine Eagle because of its roots in bird watching. This organization aims to promote and undertake community-based resource management strategies in specific sites. They also want to conduct scientific and socio-economic researches on the natural ecosystems and raise national awareness on sustainable development.
Get involved!
Haribon Foundation invites everyone who is passionate and committed to conservation. You may express your interest by sending an email to recruitment@haribon.org.ph or volunteer@haribon.org.ph.
WWF Philippines
Previously known as the World Wildlife Fund, WWF was renamed as the World Wide Fund for Nature in 1986. The logo was inspired by Chi-Chi, a giant panda, who arrived at the London Zoo while the organization was being created.
WWF supports conservation in areas where biodiversity is highly valuable. It aims to save the Philippine environment by building a future where Filipinos can live in harmony with nature.
WWF Philippines has been a national organization of the WWF International since 1997, successfully implementing several conservation projects to help protect the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia.
WWF Celebrity Ambassadors
Aside from being a multi-awarded actress and TV personality, Iza Calzado is also a national ambassador of WWF Philippines. She joins Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez in disseminating the mission of WWF and its solutions in climate change, conservation, resource protection and environmental education.
More than just a heartthrob, Piolo Pascual is also a Forest and Water Conservation Steward. He participates in various environmental initiatives and promotes projects for forest protection and watershed management.
The Legaspi Family is WWF’s Environmental Education Stewards. Zoren and Carmina, together with their children, Mavy and Cassy, work with the organization to create wider awareness among the youth.
Get involved!
If you’re willing to lend a hand and volunteer for WWF, send them an email directly from their website at www.wwf.org.ph, or visit their Facebook and Twitter accounts. You may also give them a call at 02 662 3530.
Greenpeace Philippines
Greenpeace Philippines is an organization that promotes positive attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. Some of its major concerns are climate change, toxic pollution and agriculture.
Since Greenpeace believes that there is a lot to be done when protecting the planet for future generations, they warmly welcome volunteers who are interested to help their mission. Many of their office workers started as volunteers, who helped win environmental campaigns and promote peace.
Get involved!
Feel free to contact Greenpeace Philippines through their phone number, 02 332 1807 or send your inquiries to info.ph@greenpeace.org. You may also like their Facebook Page for updates and upcoming events.
Save the Philippine Sea
SPS or Save the Philippine Sea is an independent movement organized in 2011 by concerned citizens who acted on the allegedly illegal importing of shells, corals, and other endangered marine wildlife from Indo-Pacific countries, like the Philippines.
It aims to protect the country’s marine and coastal resources through information, education and communication. Some of its programs include the Shark Shelter Project, SEA (Sea and Earth Advocates) Camp, and Pawikan Watchers.
Recently, during the LaBoracay event, SPS held a celebration of the seas without the use of any plastics, Styrofoam or straws. Yet, they still made the Labor Weekend special through music, good food, poi and yoga workshops, booths and exhibits from NGOs and social enterprises, and the most exciting part – a 180-meter sand art led by artist AG Sano.
Get involved!
SPS is regularly updating their volunteer opportunities. Visit their website www.savephilippineseas.org or express your interest through email at info@savephilippineseas.org.
Let’s Do It Philippines
Aside from cleaning up waste, the Let’s Do It Clean-up movement also aims to unite the global community to raise awareness and implement change for a clean and healthy planet. This organization, together with the Let’s Do It branches in different countries, dreams to live in a clean and waste-free world. They recruit leaders who are willing to join the massive nationwide cleanups.
One of the biggest events that they are planning is the World Cleanup Day in September 2018 where organizations, experts, volunteers and visionaries around the world will also create a plan to stop the waste problem.
Get involved!
Everyone is invited to join the movement and make a change. Visit their website at www.letsdoitphils.com, Let’s Do It Philippines Facebook account, or send an email to diezdt@yahoo.com.
Earth Island Institute Philippines
The Earth Island Institute is an environmental organization that promotes awareness, environmentalism and activism protection, as well as the conservation and restoration of nature.
Some of its projects include the International Marine Mammal Project, which aims to make the oceans safe for all marine mammals and marine ecosystems. The Earth Island Institute also developed a campaign, the Dolphin-Safe project, dedicated to monitor and protect the dolphins.
Get involved!
EII-Philippines encourages everyone to join their advocacy through different activities like information dissemination, film showing, education discussions, coastal cleanups, tree-planting, integration with farmers and fisherfolk, and contributing resources to sustain their campaigns.
If interested, send an email to savedolphins@gmail.com or visit their website at www.earthislandph.org.
Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) conducted its third public hearing on Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the PAGASA Modernization Act last May 16 in Ortigas, Pasig City.
The working draft of the IRR includes the following:
1. Acquisition and development of state-of-the-art instruments and systems that will enhance the bureau’s capabilities in providing information on weather, flood and climate monitoring. These include the High Frequency Doppler Radar, Meteorological Glider/Drone, High Performance Computing System, Mobile Upper Air sounding system, Lightning Detection and additional Doppler Radars, among others. Apart from regional calibrating centers, a redundant forecasting system will be set up at the Cebu station, which can take the place of the central office in case the capital city is paralyzed.
2. To enhance public information, education and advocacy on atmospheric, astronomical, and hydro-meteorological hazards, such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, floods, rain-induced landslides, storm surges, droughts and other extreme weather and climatic events.
3. To provide its personnel with more competitive compensation and benefits to encourage commitment and fill up positions left by veteran employees pirated abroad. This is in accordance with Republic Act No. 8349, also known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Workers in the Government.
4. To strengthen manpower by adding plantilla positions that can contribute to information and communication technology, and by strengthening capacity building among its employees.
The IRR has specifically requested a P3-billion modernization fund, which will be spent from 2017 to 2019. The budget will be taken from the national government’s share in the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) and will be released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in two tranches.
The public consultation took place in Davao City and Bohol before the NCR leg, and will have its last hearing in Laoag City on May 31.
Road to Modernization
Though PAGASA remains to be one of the most relevant and important government agencies in the country, its road to modernization was fraught with challenges and delays.
In 1996, a 6-Year Modernization Program was crafted to enhance the state weather bureau, requesting a P10-billion fund that was not granted. However, the government gave P25 million to PAGASA to create the Philippine Interactive Climate and Weather Information Network (PICWIN), a project that led to the creation of a PAGASA-hosted website, and a means to transition systems from manual to numerical.
On November and December 2004, Tropical Depressions Violeta and Winnie, and Typhoons Yoyong and Unding caused havoc in Real, General Nakar and Aurora in Quezon Province, as well as Guinsaugon in Leyte. These devastations paved the way to prompting the government to modernize PAGASA, especially in the propagation of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
On June 2013, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile resigned as Senate President. With two days left in calendar for the 15th congress, the last reading of the PAGASA Modernization Bill was cancelled.
On November 2015, the PAGASA Modernization Act was passed and signed by President Benigno Aquino III.
While El Niño is drawing closer to its end, it may still have an effect in several parts of the country this month. Dry condition may affect the province of Marinduque ,while dry spells are expected in Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Batangas, Laguna, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Southern Leyte and Davao Oriental.
Meanwhile, droughts continue to threaten Abra, Ifugao, Kalinga Apayao, Mountain Province, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Masbate.
In Visayas, droughts are likely to be experienced in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Biliran. Affected areas in Mindanao include Zamboanga Sibugay, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Surigao del Norte, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
El Niño is now on its final stage, and is more likely to return to neutral condition by the end of July. While this may bring good news to our farmers highly affected by extreme drought, meteorological agencies warn the public about the impending occurrence of the La Niña.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines La Niña as a phenomenon characterized by the unusually low sea surface temperatures or cooling of the ocean in the Equatorial Pacific. NOAA added that a La Niña episode does not always follow an El Niño, but it may happen especially if the latter is a strong one.
The chief of PAGASA-Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section (CLIMPS), Mr. Anthony Lucero, said La Niña episode may occur on October to December 2016. As of now, there is a 50% chance that it will develop in the coming months.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier, the La Niña’s effects in the Philippines may include the following:
1. Moderate to strong monsoon activity
The southwest monsoon or habagat is expected to affect the country during the rainy season, which usually sets in by the end of May to early June. If La Niña occurs, the activity of habagat may intensify, bringing more rains in the country.
2. Moderate to strong tropical cyclone activity
La Niña may also influence the intensity and impacts of tropical cyclones or bagyo that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the second half of 2016.
3. Above-normal rainfall / wetter weather condition
The opposite of El Niño, La Niña means more rains. More rains may trigger more flooding and landslides. After months of extremely dry days, we must now prepare for extremely wet days.
4. Near to below-normal air temperatures
By the time La Niña fully develops, the tag-init season may have already ended. Temperatures may return to normal or may be below average.
PAGASA will continuously monitor the weather while advisories will be immediately issued if needed. The public is advised to monitor updates.
Election day is just around the corner! To help you enjoy hassle-free voting, here are a few reminders:
What to bring?
• Your list of candidates. According to the Education and Information Department of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), voters may bring their “kodigo” or list of candidates they are planning to vote for. This saves time, and saves you from possible forgetfulness once you’re faced with your ballot.
• Voter’s ID/ valid ID/ registration stub. This proves your identity as a registered voter.
• Water. Drinking water keeps you hydrated amidst the heat, and makes you more focused in choosing the right candidate. Better bring your own reusable tumbler so you can save the environment!
• Small towel. Because of the heat, a small towel comes in handy in wiping off sweat. Wipe your hands dry before receiving your ballot because in order for the VCM (Vote Counting Machine) to work properly, ballots should be dry.
• Fan. Cool down with a manual fan in case the electric ones do not suffice.
What NOT to bring?
• Sample ballots. Election precinct sample ballots may be considered as campaign materials, which are prohibited on election day.
• Voting receipt. Do not keep the voting receipt. Drop it into the Voter’s Receipt Receptacle located beside the VCM before leaving the polling place.
• Ballpens. Voting precincts will provide marking pens. Leave them in the precinct for other voters.
The COMELEC also reminds everyone that taking photos of the ballots, voting receipts and the screen of the VCM is prohibited. Every vote counts; be a responsible voter!
Annually, on the second Sunday of May, countries across the world honor mothers.
As you go about celebrating this special day, you and your mom can enjoy generally fair weather in the country.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza, the Ridge of High Pressure continues to dominate Northern and Central Luzon, while Easterlies prevail over the eastern section of Southern Luzon, as well as Visayas and Mindanao.
Ridge is an extension of a weather system associated with good weather conditions. High Pressure Area refers to the planet’s surface with a greater atmospheric region compared to its surrounding environment. It is also an anti-cyclone and causes warm and fair weather. On the other hand, Easterlies refer to warm and humid air coming from the Pacific Ocean, and can cause isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
This Sunday, partly cloudy to cloudy skies and warm weather will prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the country. However, there is still a chance of isolated rains in the latter part of the day when clouds precipitate after accumulating enough water during the warm days.
So, if you’re planning to take your mom to the park, mall, spa or movie house, make sure to hydrate properly. Also bring umbrellas in case it rains.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, why not express your love for your mom at a lower environmental price?
We’ve listed down eight eco-friendly shops where your purchase can both protect Mother Nature and your own mom from toxins found in the usual store-bought items.
1) THE BODY SHOP
The store was founded in 1976 when entrepreneur Dame Anita Roddick started selling around 25 hand-mixed naturally inspired products in in Brighton, England. To date, the company claims that their products are made with the finest raw ingredients that prioritize the health of people, animals and the planet.
(photo source: mallcribs.com)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Color Crush Nail Colors (Php 350) – It’s happiness literally right at your mom’s fingertips!
Color Crush Nail Colors comes in 18 different nature-inspired shades, such as cupid pink, apricot kiss and minty amour. These bottles of colorful nail polish contain marula oil instead of diphenyl phosphate commonly found in nail polish. Diphenyl phosphate, which makes products more flexible and less brittle, is found to cause reproductive and development disorders based on animal studies. Meanwhile, marula oil comes from the ripened fruit of a tree native to many parts of South Africa.
(photo source: thebodyshop.com.ph)
LOCAL BRANCHES: They have 59 stores all over the country located in Baguio City, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Batangas, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Cebu.
CONTACT: Customer.Care@thebodyshop.com.ph
http://thebodyshop.com.ph.
2) ECHOSTORE
ECHO stands for Environment, Community, Hope, and Organization. Their stores aim to gather local Filipino products that represent the company’s ideals of health, fair trade, and care for the environment. Each product highlights and supports our cultural traditions, the artisan skills of our craftsmen, and the products of our farmers.
(photo from: echostore.ph)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Health Ts (Php 699) – If your mom loves a soothing cup of tea, then ECHOstore’s Honest Herbs are for her! Choose from the four variants: malunggay and turmeric, lemongrass and pandan, banaba and guyabano, and lagundi and guyabano.
(photo from: shop.echostore.ph)
Natural Laundry Granules (Php 195) – These are ultra-concentrated natural laundry granules that promise to effectively clean clothes. Unlike regular detergents that contaminate water sources such as rivers and oceans, this product is free from synthetic fragrances and is also biodegradable.
(photo from: echostore.ph)
LOCAL BRANCHES: The ECHOstore has eight branches located in Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Cebu, Antipolo and Iloilo.
CONTACT: (+632) 901.3485
echostoresalcedo@gmail.com
3) HUMAN NATURE
This local brand aims to be world-class while using local ingredients for its products. Human Nature is proud to be pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment.
(photo from: inquirer.net)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Lipstick Dou (Php 650) – Time to let your mom’s beauty shine with this luxurious fusion of cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil, passion fruit seed oil and natural vitamin E, which are all skin-friendly ingredients. Many do not know that ordinary lipsticks contain lead and toxic metal elements to create pigments. In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics of America conducted a study that detected lead in 66% of 33 lipstick brands. Medical experts say that there is no safe level of lead in the blood, and prolonged accumulative exposure to it can cause mental impairment. In the environment, lead deposits can prevent normal biochemical processes.
(photo from: humannature.com)
LOCAL BRANCHES: Human Nature has stores in Metro Manila, Rizal, Baguio, Dagupan, Cavite, Muntinlupa, Cabanatuan, Batangas, Bulacan, Olongapo, Pampanga, Laguna, Butuan, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Cebu and Iligan.
CONTACT: (02) 224-2223, 0917-596-5904
humanheartnature.com
4) HEALTHY OPTIONS
This company envisions a healthier world where people can enjoy longer, richer, and more fulfilling lives by taking control of their health. Their core values involve health, people, innovation, sustainability, local community and wealth.
(photo from: healthyoptions.com.ph)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Organic Juices (Php 299-800) – Lakewood Basics Organic Juices are as healthful as they are pure. Give your mom a quick boost in nutrition with any of its flavorful blends. Unlike juices from inorganically-grown fruits and plants, organic juices contribute to better health because these don’t use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
(photo from: Healthy Options Philippines Facebook)
LOCAL BRANCHES: You can find Healthy Options in Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Pampanga, Pasay, Quezon City, Laguna, Taguig, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City and Cebu.
CONTACT: (02) 729-6105, (02) 920-9267
healthyoptions.com.ph
5) KIEHL’S
Originally founded in New York 160 years ago, the company boasts of its naturally-derived ingredients.
(photo from: lushangel.com)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Super Multi-Corrective Cream SPF 30 (Php 3,650 for 50 ml) – This multi-targeted and anti-aging moisturizer that lifts, smoothens, sculpts, moisturizes and retexturizes skin also protects your mom from UV rays. It doesn’t contain paraben, a preservative used in cosmetic products, making it safe for sensitive skin. According to Costmeticsinfo.org forms of parabens interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system, specifically glandular activity and hormone production.
(photo from: kiehls.com)
LOCAL BRANCHES: Makati, Pasig, Pasay and Quezon City
CONTACT: (02) 823-2425, (02) 728-9561
costumer.care@ph.loreal.com
6) LEYENDE
Since 2008, Leyende has been producing handmade, natural, and organic facial, bath and body products. Following eco-friendly and artisanal principles, Leyende is dedicated to producing sulphate-free, natural and organic products in the Philippines.
(photo from: Leyende Facebook page)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Rapunsilk Pearl Shampoo (Php 350) – This is a moisturizing shampoo with pearl essence and organic macadamia nut oil. It has ilang-ilang extract that helps stimulate follicles. Leyende guarantees products that are free from sulphate that allows soaps, shampoos and body washes to separate dirt and oil from human skin or hair. However, sulphate can threaten our water sources, since it cannot be effectively removed using conventional water treatment processes.
(photo from:leyende.com.ph)
LOCAL BRANCHES: Leyende participates in bazaars but is more known for its online shop and cash-on-delivery feature.
CONTACT: 908-4555
leyende.com
info@leyende.com
7) MESSY BESSY
Established in 2007, Messy Bessy is committed to “clean your homes without harming your health and polluting the planet.”
(photo source: messybessy.com)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Yoga Love Healing Cream (Php 350) – Perfect for your physically active mom, this chamomile-rich cream provides temporary relief from aching muscles or joints. Its cooling effect matched with soothing chamomile oil can also open and relax the senses during a massage.
(photo source: messybessy.com)
LOCAL BRANCHES: Messy Bessy has kiosks in Makati, Taguig, Quezon City and Manila.
CONTACT: (632) 502-7176, 0917-5607-871
messybessyinfo@gmail.com
messybessy.com
8) MILEA
Milea’s products do not contain parabens, mineral oils, paraffin and other synthetic chemicals. While building relations with small farmers, bee growers and other local manufacturers, Milea hopes to see the Philippines as one of the major producers of world-class care products using local ingredients.
(photo source: Milea Facebook page)
YOUR MOM WILL LOVE:
Coco Sugar (Php 195 ) – For the sweet-toothed mom, coconut sugar offers more vitamins and minerals compared to white table sugar. It contains trace amounts of Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and copper. It has also a low-glycemic impact and less fructose.
(photo source: milea.com.ph)
LOCAL BRANCHES: Milea can be found at the Herbal Garden in Quezon Memorial Circle.
You can view its bazaar schedules on milea.ph/calendar or order online.
CONTACT: (02) 806-1725 / 708-0590 / 0917-8888-439
milea.ph@gmail.com
Asthma is a common chronic disease among children. According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), 235 million people across the globe suffer from it.
By 2025, WHO projected 100 million people to suffer from the said disease.
Extremes of both high and low temperatures can trigger asthma. And since we
are experiencing above-normal high temperatures these days especially with the
effect of the El Niño, asthma attacks are on the rise.
But the good news, according to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Robert Badrina, is
that the El Niño will slightly subside in the coming weeks. In fact, we are now
transitioning into a neutral condition starting this month until July.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of asthma can prevent the attacks from
becoming severe.
Because asthma is a chronic breathing disorder, what we inhale can trigger
attacks. Here are some things to watch out for:
indoor allergens (house dust , carpets and stuffed furniture, pollution
and pet dander)
outdoor allergens (such as pollens and moulds);
tobacco smoke
chemical irritants
In case of an asthma attack, take only medication your doctor prescribed. If
you’re already experiencing a moderate or severe attack, better go to the
nearest hospital or clinic in your area. According to Dr. Reynaldo Salinel Jr.,
there are ways to prevent asthma attacks.
Stay away from the triggers.
Avoid too much stress and fatigue.
During hot days, take a shower twice or thrice a day.
Source(s): www.who.int
www.doh.gov.ph
We’ve just entered the last month of summer vacation! For some, this is the perfect time to indulge in their “huling hirit sa tag-init” fashion, selfies, playlist and memories. So, wherever you plan to spend the rest of your vacation, make sure to enjoy every moment with your family and friends.
In the midst of the Hot and Dry Season, several areas are recently experiencing rains. Weather-wise, you probably have few questions in mind. Fret not; we’ve already prepared the answers!
Are we expecting a “bagyo” this month?
According to PAGASA, different weather systems normally affect the country during this month. These include the Easterlies, Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA), Tail End of a Cold Front, Intertropical Convergence Zone, Low Pressure Area (LPA) and Tropical Cyclone.
Despite the ongoing tag-init, the weather bureau is not dismissing the possibility of a tropical cyclone to enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this May. An average of 0 to 1 tropical cyclone is expected with its two possible scenarios: 1) a chance of hitting the landmass or 2) re-curving away from the country, depending on the effect of the HPA.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Robert Badrina, historical records in the past 70 years show that tropical cyclones which entered the PAR during May were under Typhoon category. Hence, stronger typhoons usually cross our boundary during this month. The most recent one, Typhoon “Dodong”, entered the PAR on the second week of May last year.
How long will tag-init last?
Hot days are not over yet! PAGASA says tag-init normally lasts until the end of May. Air temperatures and heat indices will continue to soar as the Easterlies and Ridge of HPA prevail within the boundary.
Easterlies are warm and humid winds coming from the Pacific Ocean. This weather system is the main reason why we feel the sweltering heat.
In fact, the highest temperatures in Philippine history were recorded during the month of May.
After a scorching day, why do we experience thunderstorms?
May is considered as “thunderstorm month” because this is the time of the year wherein thunderstorms develop more frequently. As temperatures rise, water cycle also speeds up and becomes more active. This triggers the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, also known as thunderstorm clouds, which bring moderate to heavy rains, gusty winds, along with thunder and lightning.
Expect more thunderstorms in the coming days as we approach the transition period before the rainy season.
How’s El Niño?
PAGASA explains that the El Niño is already in its decaying stage. It will continue to weaken further this May until July, where it is expected to return to its neutral condition.
Though some areas will receive an improved amount of rainfall, several areas should still prepare for the last wave of El Niño. Dry conditions, dry spells and droughts could still affect the country in the next few weeks.
