Weather Today – April 22, 2015 | Hot weather to continue until May

Today, easterlies remain as the dominant weather system in the country, prevailing mostly in the eastern section of the country.

Easterlies are winds from the east passing across Pacific Ocean bringing hot and humid weather. As a result, the whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Hot weather is most likely to continue until May. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Fernando Cada, the normal onset of rainy season is from mid-May to first week of June. But for 2015, rainy season is expected to start mid-June. This is due to the effect of Weak El Nino. Wind characteristics are also being observed. For rainy season, “hanging habagat” or the southwest monsoon should be the primary wind system. Last year, the declaration of rainy season was made on the 10th of June.

Rains during dry season is normal

PAGASA weather forecaster Alvin Pura explained that rain showers experienced yesterday was normal. Parts of Quezon City, Bulacan, Rizal and Laguna experienced heavy downpour due to thunderstorms.

The state weather bureau explained thunderstorms, which cause rain showers usually occur in the afternoon or evening due to the heat accumulated from morning until late lunch. This could be defined by the most basic weather process called water cycle.

During the scorching heat of the sun, evaporation happens from bodies of water. Water vapor forms into clouds and undergoes condensation. When clouds can no longer sustain the moisture, and have turned into a grayish color, they release water through precipitation in the form of rains, snow or hail.

Thunderstorm activities are normal during the hot and dry season. Read more about cloud transformation – Why Does it Usually Rain in the Afternoon and Evening?