As we are now on our third week of the month, we haven’t had weather disturbances yet. But according to PAGASA, Typhoon In-fa will be heading towards our boundary this Monday. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Benison Estareja, In-fa might gain more strength as its moves towards west-northwest with a speed of 20 kphr. In-fa may under Typhoon category when it hits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this Sunday or Monday. As of now, it was last located at 2,545 kilometers east of Mindanao with maximum winds of 130 kphr and gustiness up to 160 kph.
Meanwhile, the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ remains to be the dominant weather system, bringing light to moderate rains over Eastern Visayas and the regions of Caraga and Davao. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience good weather conditions with a chance of localized thunderstorms.
This month, one to two tropical cyclone is expected to enter PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility). PAGASA is now monitoring a severe tropical storm outside PAR located at approximately 2,980 kilometers east of Mindanao.
Weather forecaster Shelly Ignacio said In-Fa has a maximum sustained winds of 95 kph and gustiness of 120 kph and moving west-northwest at 20 kph.
Severe Tropical Storm “In-Fa” is too far to determine if it will enter PAR. However, some meteorological agencies shows that In-Fa will enter PAR and will move along the boundary. Upon entering PAR line, In-Fa will be given a local name “Marilyn”.
Today, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is now affecting Mindanao. Due to its warm and humid characteristics, this will result to rainy weather in Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and Palawan.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience fair weather, apart from isolated thunderstorms.
We always hear about it, but do we really know what it really is? Throughout the globe, Climate Change is a pressing concern that has both environmental and human impacts. Let us familiarize ourselves with the key terms related to this global concern, especially since knowledge is the key to action.
1. Climate
Climate is the general weather pattern in a specific area that involves temperature, humidity, rainfall, air pressure and other meteorological variables over a long period of time. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), climate is the average weather condition based on 30 years of observation.
2. Climate Change
The long-term shift in weather patterns in a region is defined as Climate Change. This includes changes in precipitation, temperatures, sea levels and many more. It is also a phenomenon brought by the increased emission of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
According to Dr. Rosa Perez from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Climate Change can be caused by natural occurrences or induced by humans. Natural causes include the sun’s activity, volcanic eruption and other natural events that contribute to the warming of the earth.
But the problem now is that Climate Change has worsened due to human activities, such as burning of fossil fuels, clearing of forests, improper waste management and production of industrialized products.
Several studies about Climate Change show that it could lead to these extreme weather events and unusual changes in the ecosystem:
– Increase in global temperature
– Sea Level Rise
– Retreat of glaciers and melting of sea ice
– Changes in precipitation
– Heat waves, tornadoes, stronger typhoons and heavy rainfall
– Longer, more severe droughts
– Expansion of subtropical deserts
– Species endangerment and extinction and loss of biodiversity
– Melting of permafrost
– Decline in agricultural yields
– Spread of vector-borne diseases because of increased range of insects
– Ocean acidification and destruction of coral reef
3. Greenhouse Gas & Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse gas (GHG) is a chemical compound found in the Earth’s atmosphere. Composed of carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other man-made gases, Greenhouse gases keep our planet liveable by holding in the heat energy of the Earth. These gases allow much of the solar radiation to enter the atmosphere, warming the planet’s surface. Some of this energy is reflected back towards space.
Without greenhouse gases, the Earth will be an icy wasteland. But the problem we face right now is the increasing amount of GHGs in the atmosphere. The more greenhouse gas molecules, more heat is also trapped in the atmosphere due to greenhouse effect. And we all know that too much heat can be just as fatal as the lack of it.
4. Global Warming
The interaction between the earth and incoming radiation from the sun leads to global warming. It is the gradual heating of the Earth’s surface, oceans and atmosphere.
5. Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is the increase in the mean level of the ocean. It is caused by two factors: added water from the melting of land ice, and expansion of water as it warms. Simply put, due to the warming of the Earth, more glaciers or land ice tend to melt. Also, when water is heated, it expands.
6. Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources that formed from prehistoric plants and animals buried by layers of rock or soil millions of years ago. These include oil, coal and natural gas. The formation of a fossil fuel depends on different factors, such as the combination of organic matter, how long it was buried, and its exposure to temperature and pressure.
7. Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy naturally regenerated or replenished over a short period of time. Some are derived directly from the sun like thermal or photochemical enegy. Other forms of renewable energy are wind, hydropower, geothermal and tidal.
Using renewable energy will help in combating the impacts of Climate Change because these do not produce greenhouse gases, unlike fossil fuels.
8. Mitigation
Policies and measures aimed to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions fall under mitigation. It includes reducing the demand for emission-intensive goods or services, while increasing the demand for low-carbon technologies. Mitigation also includes coping with the causes of Climate Change.
9. Adaptation
Adaptation is adjusting to natural or human systems in response to Climate Change. This could also serve as a practical step to protect communities. If mitigation is coping with the causes or the root of Climate Change, adaptation is coping with its effects.
Examples of Climate Change adaptation is putting up the partial drainage of the Tsho Rolpha glacial lake in Nepal, changing livelihood strategies in response to permafrost melt in Nunavut, Canada, and water management in Australia. In the Philippines, sea walls were built in the coastal areas of Leyte to protect the community from the impact of a storm surge.
10. V20
V20 refers to the 20 countries that are highly vulnerable to Climate Change impacts. These are low and middle-income, small and developing countries which usually experience the adverse effects of the changing climate. These include Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Maldives, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Ghana, Nepal, East Timor, Barbados, Kenya, Philippines, Tuvalu, Bhutan, Kiribati, Rwanda, Vanuatu, Costa Rica, Madagascar, Saint Lucia and Viet Nam.
Sources:
IPCC
NASA
PAGASA
NOAA
Climate Central
WWF
http://www.loyno.edu/twomey/overview-climate-change-global-warming-how-it-affecting-human-community
http://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/science/overview.html
www.cvf.org
http://www.energy.gov/
The whole country will be experiencing generally fair weather condition with a chance of rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or in the evening. This is due to the effect of Easterlies or winds from Pacific Ocean, which bring warm and humid air.
According to Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio, there is no weather disturbance expected inside and outside the boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, PAGASA advises the public to continuously monitor updates.
In addition, Aurelio said that the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan will resume to affect Northern and Central Luzon most probably on Thursday or Friday.
Easterlies, or winds coming from the Pacific, will affect the eastern section of the country. Based on the 24-hour forecast of PAGASA, the whole archipelago will experience generally fair weather aside from the possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
No gale warning was issued but fishing boats and other small seacraft are still alerted against moderate to occasionally rough sea conditions in Northern Luzon. Coastal waters over the rest of the country will be slight to moderate.
Meanwhile, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Benison Estareja says no weather disturbance or tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) within this week. However, all are still advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.
Due to the warm and humid characteristic of easterlies, warm weather will also be felt. Metro Manila’s temperature will range from 23 to 34 degrees Celsius while Metro Cebu will experience 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. Residents of Metro Davao could have 25 to a possible high of 33 degrees Celsius.
Expect fair weather with a chance of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening in Metro Manila and the rest of the country. The Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ continues to bring light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms in the regions of Davao, SOCCSKSARGEN, ARMM and Zamboanga Peninsula.
According to Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran, there is no weather disturbance expected inside and outside the boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, PAGASA advises the public to continuously monitor updates.
In addition, Mr. Duran said that partly cloudy to cloudy skies with occasional rainshowers are expected in their special weather outlook for the upcoming APEC this November 16-20, 2015.
Gift giving in the Philippines is a long-honored Christmas tradition. But in these tight times, one shouldn’t ignore budget constraints. To help you get more bang for your buck, we offer you the ultimate Christmas shopping list: places where you can put your bargain-hunting and haggling skills to the test.
Location: In the vicinity of Recto, Santo Cristo, Juan Luna and Comercio streets
What to buy: wholesale school, office and household supplies, clothes, footwear, fruits and vegetables, accessories, and many more. Name it, they have it!
What to Watch out for: Quality of goods. Check and re-check your purchases to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Location: Near C.M. Recto Avenue
What to Buy: Affordable DSLR cameras, bags, clothes, bags, and other accessories
What to Watch out for: Thick crowds, especially in the vicinity of the Quiapo Church.
Location: In Parañaque City, Metro Manila. It is also Near Mall of Asia in Pasay.
What to Buy: Quality but affordable clothes, toys, and plants.
What to Watch out for: Best to avoid it on a Wednesday, also declared as “Baclaran Day” as devotees flock to the Baclaran Church.
Location: In Ortigas Avenue, North Western St., in San Juan, Metro Manila.
What to Buy: Brand new to second-hand mobile phones, gadgets, tablets, clothes, shoes, bags accessories, toys for kids and for the young at heart at reasonable prices.
What to Watch out for: Overspending! Greenhills has a lot of attractions including restaurants and cinemas so make sure you bring extra cash.
Location: Near Quezon City, described as the gateway to Rizal Province
What to Buy: locally made shoes, slippers and bags
What to Watch out for: Make sure to visit all the stores to compare prices and to get a variety of designs
What to Buy: Everything under the sun! Shopping isn’t limited to shopping sites; you can also purchase through social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
What to Watch out for: Before making a purchase, make sure that the seller is legitimate. Scroll down to the buyers’ comments to check if they’re satisfied with the site’s services. Ask for recommendations from friends before swiping that credit card.
Be Shopping-Savvy
• Haggle to your heart’s content. Don’t settle on the first price offered. Canvass to make sure you get the best deal.
• Wear light and comfortable clothes to avoid heatstroke. Always bring bottled water and snacks to stave off hunger and thirst.
• Keep your belongings close to your body. Be vigilant of suspicious characters.
• With the harsh sun rays in the morning, and with the possibility of rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, bringing an umbrella is a must.
• Bring your own eco-bags to lessen the use of plastic bags.
As Metro Manila and the rest of the country can expect fair weather with a chance of rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, Southern Mindanao is being affected by the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ. Light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms prevail in the Davao region, SOCCSKSARGEN and the province of Surigao Del Sur—good news since rains are essential in the midst of the strong El Niño, which will bring dry conditions, dry spells and droughts in some parts of the country.
Though we all know that ITCZ is the breeding ground of a Low Pressure Area or LPA, according to Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar, there is no weather disturbance expected inside and outside the boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, PAGASA advises the public to continuously monitor updates.
In addition, Ms. Escullar said that gale warning was lifted and coastal areas in the country are now safe for small seacraft and fishing vessels. Light to moderate sea conditions are expected in the country’s seaboards.
Today, Luzon, Visayas and most parts of Mindanao will have good weather conditions. Isolated rain showers are still possible but PAGASA said these rain showers would only persist in not more than two hours.
Davao region and SOCCKSARGEN will experience light to moderate rains brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Mindanao.
El Niño more likely to continue until 2016
El Niño is an abnormal rise in sea surface temperature, resulting to drier environment and hotter days. PAGASA said this phenomenon will more likely to continue until 2016.
Here’s the updated list of provinces that will be affected by dry spells, dry condition and droughts.
