Today, as we celebrate the 117th Philippine Independence Day, Luzon and Visayas will enjoy fair weather. According to PAGASA, isolated rain showers due to thunderstorms are mostly likely to occur in the afternoon or evening.

Meanwhile, parts of Mindanao, particularly the region of Davao and Zamboanga Peninsula will have light to moderate rains caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Thunderstorm activities are normal during hot weather. This is one of the tag-ulan indicators that needed to be observed before declaring the official rainy season. For us to be ready any time of the day, Panahon TV listed the must-bring items to bring when the rains come in.

It’s time to honor those who have fought valiantly for us to enjoy our present-day freedom. Isang pagpupugay para sa mga bayaning Pilipino na nakipaglaban para makamit ang ating kalayaan!
Today, June 12, is Philippine Independence Day.

Also known as Araw ng Kalayaan, June 12 is the annual commemoration of the freedom declaration of Filipino revolutionaries from the 333-year Spanish occupation in the Philippines.

On this date in 1898, Filipinos witnessed the Philippine flag raised to the national anthem Lupang Hinirang that was played for the first time in Kawit, Cavite. Though this milestone marked the nation’s independence from the Spaniards, true liberty was not yet at hand. Spain and the United States did not recognize this declaration.

With the 1898 Treaty of Paris, Spain surrendered the Philippines to the United States. The lands saw another series of revolts clamoring for freedom starting 1899, until national sovereignty was finally recognized on July 4, 1946 through the Treaty of Manila.

Independence Day was previously observed on July 4, coinciding with the American Independence Day until 1964.

On its the 117th year, Independence Day celebrates the theme “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot Kamay na ng Bayan.”

Expect a long 3-day weekend as Malacanang declares June 12, 2015 a national holiday. On this day, government offices will be closed, classes are suspended schools nationwide, and those who will be reporting for duty will be paid premium in accordance with the Labor Department’s existing policies on working on a holiday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz urges private sector employers to comply with the holiday pay rules to enhance productivity and competitiveness of business and industry sectors. The pay rules laid by DOLE are as follows:

• • If the employee did not work, he/she shall be paid 100% of his/her salary for that day.

• • If the employee worked, he/she shall be paid 200% of his/her regular salary for that day for the first 8 hours. For work done in excess of 8 hours (overtime), the employee shall be paid an additional 30% of his/her hourly rate.

• • If June 12 is the employee’s rest day and he/she still reported for work, he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/her daily rate of 200%.

• If the employee worked more than 8 hours on his/her rest day on June 12, he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/her hourly rate on that day.

Thunderstorm occurrence has become prevalent during the past few days. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) says that the rainy season is now in progress.

The southwest monsoon or “habagat” is also expected to prevail over the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), bringing rains mostly over the western section of the country. PAGASA added that compared to the hot and dry season, rain showers and thunderstorms may now occur even in the morning or early afternoon.

To embrace a new season, we have to adjust with the changes in weather. To help you stay protected in the coming rainy days, here are some of the “tag-ulan” must haves:

UMBRELLA
Bringing an umbrella should always be part of your daily routine. If it helped you beat the heat during “tag-init”, now is time to use it to protect you from the rain.

Be sure to have an umbrella of good quality. Some cheaper umbrellas are prone to breakage and deformation. Choose a durable and specialized umbrella for heavy rains and strong winds. Consider the size of the umbrella if you want it to fit in your bag. Make sure that it’s easy to use and that it suits your style.

RAINCOAT / WATERPROOF JACKET
When rains pour during a thunderstorm, gusty winds also prevail. Umbrellas may not be enough to keep you and your valuables dry. A raincoat can protect you from getting wet from the rains and blowing winds.

Choose a raincoat with a hood, of good quality and one that suits your body size, including your height and arm length. A jacket made with waterproof material can also be an alternative raincoat. It can keep you warm during the rainy season.

BOOTS
A heavy downpour means a higher chance of flooding. During floods, feet can be prone to infection. The Department of Health (DOH) advises the public to use proper protection by wearing boots. This way, you can protect your feet against the risk of getting leptospirosis, a water-related disease obtained from contact with contaminated water. Just make sure that your boots are waterproof, made of plastic or rubber.

TOWEL
A towel can help you dry off immediately after being drenched. It can also be used in wiping or protecting your gadgets such as your mobile phone and wrist-watch.

FIRST-AID KIT
The changing weather can cause sudden sicknesses like common colds and cough. Keeping a first aid kit with basics, such as alcohol, gauze pads, cotton, povidone-iodine solutions and medicine, is the best way to be clean, illness-free and wound-free this rainy season.

Rainy days are coming so let’s all take note of these essentials to keep us dry and healthy!

Source:
PAGASA-DOST
Department of Health (DOH)

Expect rainy weather in Mindanao today due to the prevailing Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) particularly over its southern portion.

This weather system is known to be the breeding ground of Low Pressure Areas and tropical cyclones. The ever-present convective activities within its axis brings rains in its affected areas.

In the following hours, the ITCZ will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over ARMM, SOCCSKSARGEN, Davao Region and the Zamboanga Peninsula. The rest of the country, on the other hand, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

State Meteorologist Jori Loiz said this weather condition will continue tomorrow, June 12 when the Philippines will celebrate Independence Day.

Meanwhile, no weather disturbance has been monitored to threaten the Philippine Area of Responsibility within 24 hours.

To lessen the hassles of the day when it rains later, here’s the list you need to check the day before leaving your home for school or work:

Even during good weather, thunderstorm activities may still happen. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), thunderstorms are formed through convection. This is when the heat accumulated during the day contributes to cloud formation that includes cumulonimbus clouds or thunderstorms cloud.

Avoid Getting Struck
The energy from one lightning flash could light a 100-watt bulb for more than three months. Aside from starting fires, it can also damage electrical equipment. According to NOAA, 80% of lightning fatality victims are male, between the ages of 15 and 40.

It pays to be aware of cumulonimbus clouds. Remember that you are within striking distance of lightning when you hear thunder.

While going indoors is a must, it’s still best to stay away from windows and doors. Some parts of these fixtures are made of metal, a good conductor of electricity.

Monitor weather updates. PAGASA and Panahon TV releases real time updates such as thunderstorm advisories.

Minimize Outdoor Risks
Thunderstorms usually happen in the afternoon or evening. If you are outside when these activities begin, here are some reminders that will keep you safe:

• Avoid tall structures and open areas.
• Stay away from water such as swimming pools, beaches and rivers. Avoid getting wet and avoid wet items.
• Don’t lie flat on the ground. An electrical current produced by a nearby lightning strike can pass through your body—instead do the “thunderstorm squat.”

The Basics of a Thunderstorm Squat

• Crouch low. Do not make yourself the tallest object within the vicinity. Keep your feet close together with heels touching. This will help the electricity to flow continuously from one foot to another.
• Make sure that only a minimal part of your body touches the ground as you squat low. If lightning strikes, the current will most likely travel through your legs, keeping your vital organs like heart safe.
• Cover your ears. Place your hands over your ears. This way, all your extremities are touching together, letting the current just pass through your body.

Several areas including Metro Manila experienced moderate to heavy rains along with gusty winds, thunder and lightning yesterday. Some streets were also engulfed in water due to flooding. These rains were not caused by a weather disturbance or tropical cyclone but were brought by thunderstorms.

Based on the 24-hour public weather forecast of PAGASA, the ridge of high pressure area (HPA) will continue to extend over Luzon. The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

In line with this forecast, the weather bureau also issued thunderstorm advisories.

Thunderstorm Advisory No. 2 #NCR_PRSD Issued at: 11:52 AM 09 June 2015 Thunderstorm is affecting… http://t.co/YV4VYxXfvf

— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) June 9, 2015

THUNDERSTORM ADVISORY NO.1 #NL_PRSD Issued at 12:08 PM June 9, 2015 Thunderstorm is affecting #Pangasinan… http://t.co/eremCljXMd

— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) June 9, 2015

THUNDERSTORM ADVISORY NO.3 #VIS_PRSD Issued at 12:17PM Jun 09 2015 Expect thunderstorm over #Bohol(Getafe,… http://t.co/nI2S8ISG0Y

— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) June 9, 2015

Thunderstorms usually occur as we approach the onset of rainy season. Certain criteria must be observed first before declaring the wet season primarily over the western section of the country. All are advised to monitor updates and further development.

The Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire where the most number of volcanic and seismic activities are recorded. Provinces at risk to earthquakes include Surigao Del Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Ifugao, Davao Oriental, Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija. But the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA) is no exemption to tremors due to the Valley Fault System that may generate a quake with a magnitude of 7.2 –as powerful as 63 Hiroshima atomic bombs. To prevent casualties and damage to properties, here is what we need to know.

Being Quake Ready

1. Check your house for hazards for earthquakes and other secondary threats such as landslides, flooding, liquefaction and fires. If your house is erected within the 5-meter buffer zone from each side of the fault line, it is best to transfer to a safer place.
2. Make sure that your house is structurally sound.
3. Assemble your own Bug Out Bag.
4. Have a printed copy of the emergency hotlines.
5. Participate in office, school and community drills.
6. Hold occasional drills at home with the entire family.
7. Cascade emergency plans to your family. It is important to decide how, where and when to meet after an earthquake.
8. Turn off water, electricity and gas when not in use.
9. Know how to give first aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Protecting Yourself During a Quake

1. Stay calm but be alert and keep your eyes open.
2. When inside a structure, do the Duck, Cover and Hold.
3. If no sturdy table is around, go against an interior foundation wall and cover your head with your arms. Remember to move away from objects that may fall, break, explode and cause electrocution.
4. If inside a movie house or a stadium, stay in your seat and cover your head with your arms.
5. When in a crowded building, do not rush for exits and stay away from falling debris.
6. When in a wheelchair, stay in it, lock your wheels and protect your head.
7. If you’re outdoors, move to an area away from posts, trees, buildings, electrical wires and poles.
8. When driving, move to the side of the road and stop.
9. If near the shore, go to higher grounds with your bug out bag.

After the Quake

1. If inside a structure, safely and calmly exit to avoid stampede. Use the stairs instead of elevators. Proceed to areas clear of falling and collapsing objects.
2. Do a headcount of your family and check for injuries. If someone has serious injuries, do not attempt to move him and call for medical assistance.
3. If trapped inside a building, wave a handkerchief or any cloth in the window to signal rescue. If you have whistles, use it. If there is no any window, stay in a safe area and do not touch any damaged appliance.
4. If outdoors, do not cross bridges, flyovers and tunnels. Do not enter damaged buildings.
5. When inside a car, park in the nearest place clear of falling debris and tall structures.
6. If it’s already safe, check for fire hazards, damaged utilities, wired telephone lines, and structural aspects in your house. If damages occur, evacuate and do not re-enter until proper repairs are done.
7. Wear gloves, facemask, boots or shoes when cleaning leakages. Stay away from fallen power lines and the possible conductors near them.
Do not walk in barefoot while checking the house.
8. Be prepared for aftershocks by knowing where to duck, cover and hold. Aftershocks may happen hours, days, weeks and even months after the main shock.
9. Get involved in community post-disaster plans and projects.

There are reasons to begin this week with a smile. As the ridge of the high pressure area continues to extend over Luzon, generally fair weather will prevail over the country. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated thunderstorms will be experienced. Another piece of good news, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said no weather disturbance or tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area Responsibility (PAR) within the next 3 days.

Meanwhile, thunderstorms occur more often as we approach the onset of the rainy season. Thunderstorms may bring moderate to heavy rains, gusty winds, thunder and lightning that normally persists within 1 to 2 hours. The public is advised to bring umbrellas and to keep monitoring weather updates.

According to PAGASA, the onset of the rainy season usually occurs during the middle part of June, and that rains will primarily affect the western section of the country as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” starts to be the dominant wind system. Mendoza added that there are 16 to 20 rainy days expected this month.

Aside from the habagat, the intertropical convergent zone (ITCZ) is also one of the weather systems to prevail this month. ITCZ, where winds from the northern and southern hemisphere meet, can cause thunderstorms in the affected areas. This is also dubbed as the “breeding ground” of low pressure area, which may develop into a tropical cyclone. However, Mendoza said the ITCZ is still over the equator and its axis has not yet reached our boundary.

Though some parts of the country are starting to experience rains, the heat can still be felt in some areas.

The Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Luzon will bring good weather in most parts of the country today. However PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz said that Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and some areas of Batangas and Bataan will experience rain showers today. Light rains are also expected over the southern part of Metro Manila.

Since HPA is the dominant weather system, anticipate hot and humid weather. Below is the forecast heat index today.