Weather Today – November 4, 2014 | Paeng out of PAR; ITCZ, amihan prevails

Typhoon Paeng has slightly weakened after leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) before noon yesterday. It continues to move farther away from the country and according to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz, it is not expected to make landfall but will only cross the eastern seaboard of Japan.

An area of converging winds from the northern and southern hemisphere known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over Northern Mindanao, CARAGA, Central Visayas and Leyte province.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or amihan will continue to affect Northern Luzon. This wind system, characterized by cold and dry air coming from the mainland China, will bring partly cloudy skies with isolated light rains over Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos Region.

PAGASA has retained the gale warning over the eastern seaboards of Northern and Central Luzon. Fishing boats and other small seacraft are prohibited from any sea travel over the seaboads of Isabela, eastern coast of Cagayan and Aurora.

Loiz said there are no weather disturbances expected to enter PAR within the next three days. However, all are still advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.

Three consecutive earthquakes strike Bohol

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded a magnitude 4 earthquake yesterday at around 9:52 PM. It was 7 kilometers deep and its epicenter was located at 1 kilometer southwest of Catigbian, Bohol.

From the initial magnitude, the following areas felt the following intensities:

Intensity V – Catigbian, Bohol
Intensity IV – Tagbilaran City; Antiquerra, Corella, Baclayon, Cortes, Balilihan, Loboc & Jagna, Bohol
Intensity III – Alburquerque, Sikatuna, Maribojoc, Loon & Talibon, Bohol
Intensity II – Dauis, Bohol; Cebu City

After a few minutes, a magnitude 2.5 quake was recorded at 9:57 PM. Its depth of focus reached 19 kilometers with its epicenter at 6 kilometers southeast of San Isidro, Bohol where intensity II was felt. Intensity 1 was recorded in Lila, Bohol.

At 10:52 PM, a magnitude 3.1 earthquake followed with a depth of 18 kilometers and its epicenter located at 1 kilometer southeast of Catigbian, Bohol. Intensity II was felt in Tagbilaran City.

Based on the earthquake bulletin of PHIVOLCS, no damage was recorded from the consecutive earthquakes. People are advised to be alert, not only with weather changes, but also with the unpredictable ground shaking.