May Weather – PanahonTV

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.

As the most awaited fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather approaches, we also have to be prepared with May weather itself. Today, on the first month of May, easterlies will prevail, affecting the eastern section of the Philippines. On the whole, the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Manny Mendoza, aside from the easterlies, different weather systems are expected to affect the country. The intertropical convergence zone or ITCZ will gradually recede northward, bringing a potential low pressure area that might intensify into a tropical cyclone. An average number of 1 to 2 tropical cyclones normally enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during this month.

The ridge of a high pressure area can also extend over the PAR while the southwest monsoon or habagat, characterized by warm and moist air, could also start to affect the western section of the country.

Meanwhile, the weather bureau continuously monitors the effect of the ongoing El Niño. As of April 27, 2015, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) / International Research Institute (IRI) said that El Nino conditions are present and there is an approximately 70% chance that it will continue through summer in the northern hemisphere, with more than a 60% chance that it will last until autumn.

Based on the Dry Spell Outlook issued by PAGASA, four provinces are likely to experience a dry spell, while forty-two provinces that are affected by the dry spell are more likely to improve.

PAGASA also warns that higher air temperatures might be experienced in the coming days. Today’s temperatures in Metro Manila range from 26 to 35 degrees Celsius, Metro Cebu with 25 to 33 degrees Celsius and Metro Davao will have 24 to 34 degrees Celsius.