Weather Today – November 19, 2015 | Rains in the eastern section

Easterlies prevail, bringing light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms in the eastern section of the country, including the provinces of Aurora and Quezon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and CARAGA. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Winds coming from the east are warm and moist in nature. Heat and moisture are just some of the main factors which speed up evaporation and cloud formation. Hence, easterlies can generate rains and thunderstorms in the affected areas.

Over the weekend, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Shelly Ignacio says no weather disturbance is expected to enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, all are still advised to monitor updates as rains or thunderstorms are still possible depending on the existing weather system.

Ignacio adds that the Philippines remains haze-free in relation to the forest fire in Indonesia. Still, she reminds the public, especially those in the cities, that haze occurs even without the presence of a forest fire. It could be triggered by smoke or particles from vehicles and factories.

Magnitude 4.4 quake recorded in Sultan Kudarat
On Thursday evening at around 7:52PM, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. With a depth of 581 kilometers, its epicenter was located at 212 kilometers southwest of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity II was felt in Cagayan de Oro City. According to PHIVOLCS, no damage was reported. Aftershocks are not expected to occur.