Today, good weather will prevail due to the Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz explained that this wind system is characterised by warm and humid air, thus isolated rain showers are still possible within the day.
Weather today is perfect for planning your Valentine’s Day. If you plan to give your loved ones roses, choose the right rose for them. Know more through this link: Valentine Flowers Decoded
Panagbenga Festival
Heading towards Baguio City for the Panagbenga Festival? Today, the Baguio Blooms and Exposition Exhibition continue at the Lake Drive in Burnham Park. Enjoy the sunny weather all throughout the day!
PAGASA’s climate outlook shows that most parts of the Philippines will probably experience a Meteorological Drought, which, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, occurs when dry weather patterns dominate an area. Meanwhile, Agricultural Droughts happen when crops are affected.
Because of the ongoing El Niño, the forecast rainfall for February is below-normal or between 41 to 80 percent. Based on the map below, a large part of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience less rainfall. These include the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), except for Apayao where near-normal rainfall is expected.
In Region I, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union will receive above-normal rainfall. However, Pangasinan will experience a different scenario with only a 22.9 percent amount precipitation in February, which means drought is more probable in this area.
The good news: most provinces in Region II, Central Luzon, National Capital Region, Region IV-A, MIMAROPA and Bicol Region will also receive below to above-normal rainfall, thanks to the Amihan or the Northeast Monsoon and occasional Tail End of a Cold Front, bringing light to moderate rains.
In Region VI, Negros Island Region, Region VII, Region VIII, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, CARAGA and ARMM, below-normal rainfall is expected, quantified between 41 to 80 percent. The Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao are most likely to experience the effect of El Niño this month because of way-below normal rainfall or below 40 percent amount of rains. Most of these areas consist of agricultural farms, thus making it more prone to Agricultural Drought.
According to PAGASA, A Dry Spell is characterized by three consecutive months of below- normal rainfall conditions, while Droughts are defined as having three consecutive months of way below-normal rainfall conditions. In the latest climate outlook of the weather bureau, 26 provinces (31% percent of the country) are likely to experience droughts.
Lanao Del Norte in Region X reported that there are 1,216 hectares of corn, 976 hectares of high-value crops and 694 hectares of rice affected by the Dry Condition. Meanwhile, 22 municipalities of Bukidnon are also suffering from the effect of El Niño, with 31,750 hectares of corn, 1,705 hectares of cassava and 4.0,317 hectares of rice affected by the Dry Season. Maguindanao in ARMM is now placed under a State of Calamity, where more than 20,000 farmers and 17,000 hectares of rice and corn are affected.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is focusing on providing mitigation programs especially to areas severely affected by the El Niño. Cloud seeding, the process of scattering silver iodide aerosols or dry ice into clouds containing supercooled water to induce rain, is done to abate water scarcity.
The DA is also awaiting the release of a P900 million budget to fast-track the agency’s interventions.
With the unfavorable effects of El Niño, farmers are assured that they can rely on DA. The agency is accepting concerns and inquiries through its DA El Niño Hotline and PhilRice Text Center.
Two weather systems will cause rainy conditions in several provinces in Luzon. Amihan is currently affecting Northern and Central Luzon, while the Tail End of a Cold Front has extended into Eastern Visayas.
Today, light to moderate rain showers will be experienced in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Quezon, Rizal, Marinduque and Romblon. Meanwhile, those who are in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Aurora should prepare for light rains mainly due to the Amihan.
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will experience good weather with chances of isolated light rains, while the rest of the country can look forward to a sunny Wednesday–though isolated rains are still possible.
Astronomy Week
Astronomy enthusiasts are invited to celebrate Astronomy Week on February 15 to 19, 2016. Several activities will be held at the PAGASA Science Garden and the Observatory in UP Diliman.
Making headlines around the world, the Zika Virus is the latest, most dangerous threat to our health. Similar to the Ebola Virus Alert in 2014, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared as a global health emergency, the rapid spreading of the Zika Virus has put the illness in the same category alert this year.
According to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin, the Philippines is not included on the list of 28 countries infected by the Zika Virus in the last nine months. Latin American countries, particularly Brazil and Colombia, take the top spot, suffering from the most number of Zika cases.
Although the Philippines has numerous Dengue cases, there have been no reported Zika Virus incidents in the country yet. DOH assured the public that it would equip at least six hospitals for the said virus.
How is this virus transmitted?
Like Dengue, the mosquito, Aedes Aegypti, also carries the Zika Virus, which can be transmitted through just one bite during their peak hours in the daytime. These mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant waters.
Climate Change and Zika Virus
Climate Change, which produces unusual and extreme weather events, may worsen the virus. Because of the heavy rains Brazil experienced, this led to a proliferation of stagnant water, a breeding habitat for the Zika-carrying mosquitoes. Brazil had at least 4,000 cases of the virus last October alone.
Because of the ongoing El Niño, water storage has become a common practice. If done improperly, stored water may also be a breeding ground for the mosquitoes. The warm temperature also makes it easier for the virus to spread.
Signs and Symptoms
Currently, the six hospitals accredited by the DOH as testing centers for the virus are the following: Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntilupa City, Baguio General Hospital in Baguio City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City and San Lazaro Hospital in Manila City.
Unlike Dengue, its symptoms can be treated with common pain and fever medicines, rest and plenty of water. But if symptoms persist after two days, Garin says it is much better to consult the nearest Zika-equipped hospital.
Caution for Soon-to-be-Moms!
The virus is suspected to affect the brain of an unborn child. There have been cases of microcephaly, wherein the infant’s head is too small for its size because of an underdeveloped brain. In line with this, WHO Director General, Margaret Chan suggests that pregnant women delay or refrain from traveling to areas affected with Zika.
Treatment
As of today, there is no available vaccine and medicine for the Zika Virus. But DOH is hopeful that we can fight this virus through the 4S:
Search and destroy breeding places of mosquitoes.
Self-protection measures, such as applying mosquito repellant and wearing pants and long sleeves
Seek early consultation when signs and symptoms occurs.
Say yes to fogging.
February is already here! Before you plan your surprises for your loved ones, checking the weather first is an absolute must. Here are the top three things you need to know about this month’s weather:
1. No goodbyes for Amihan yet.
Slightly colder weather will prevail in some parts of Luzon as the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Amihan is expected to continue its peak. The surge of these winds usually occurs during January to February each year.
In history, the coldest day in February was experienced in Baguio City wherein a chilling 6.7 degrees Celsius was recorded on February 1, 1963.
However, due to the strong El Niño, the effect of Amihan this year may not be as dominant as the previous years.
Aside from lower temperatures, light rains may also occur, mostly in the northern provinces. Meanwhile, for small seacraft, venturing out into the sea may also be risky as strong to gale force winds associated with the Amihan may still be experienced.
2. Missing the rain
Based on the rainfall outlook, most parts of the Luzon, entire Visayas and several areas in Mindanao could receive a way-below normal amount of rain this month.
Dry conditions, dry spells and droughts are expected to prevail. These are the main challenges the agricultural sector faces.
3. There’s still a chance… for a weather disturbance.
Despite the occurring El Niño, our country is still not safe from a Tropical Cyclone or “bagyo”. PAGASA says that an average of 0 to 1 Tropical Cyclone may develop within or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this February.
Other weather systems expected to affect the country include the Northeast Monsoon, Tail End of a Cold Front, Low Pressure Area, Ridge of High Pressure Area, and Trough of Low Pressure Area.
State Meteorologist Bennison Estareja said that dry days are expected in 25 out of 29 days of February. This is based on the climatological records of PAGASA and the ongoing El Niño.
Most parts of the country will experience this number of dry days; however rain showers from theAmihan and Easterlies will be a great help, especially in agricultural areas.
Today, the Amihan will continue to bring light rains in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos. Due to its surge, gale warning is in effect in the eastern, western and northern seaboards of Northern Luzon.Meanwhile, the Easterlies will result to light to moderate rains over Bicol Region, Aurora, Quezon and Eastern Visayas.
The rest of the archipelago, including Metro Manila, will have fair weather, though isolated rains are still possible before the day ends.
The Northeast Monsoo,n locally known as Amihan, is now affecting the entire Northern Luzon. This will result to light rains in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera, while lighter rains will prevail in Ilocos Region.
Meanwhile, the Easterlies are affecting the eastern section of Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Due to their warm and humid characteristics, light to moderate rain showers are expected over Bicol Region, Visayas, Caraga and Northern Mindanao.
Generally good weather will continue in Metro Manila and the rest of the archipelago.
According to PAGASA, this February, an average of zero to one tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). With the continued effect of El Niño, there is a high probability of having no weather disturbance during the month.
As February arrives, tourists flock to Baguio City to celebrate the month-long festivities of the Panagbenga, a flower festival which may be translated into “the season to bloom.” From the famous floral parade to street dancing and other events, the Panagbenga is a tribute, not only to the country’s lush blooms, but also to the “Love Month”–as during this season, flowers are the medium of choice in expressing our feelings.
But aside from the typical roses we send out or receive on Valentine’s Day, our country teems with other flowers that deserve the spotlight.
1. Sampaguita (National Flower of the Philippines)
Scientific Name: Jasminum sambac
Sampaguita, which is also Indonesia’s national flower, comes from the words Sumpa kita or I promise you. Like the rose, Sampaguita is a symbol of love and devotion. It hails from the family of Jasmine, and is commonly used in making garlands. In the culinary scene, it makes waves in the form of tea and ice cream.
Because the Sampaguita loves heat, it grows perfectly in a tropical country like ours where the soil stays moist and not soggy.
2. Ilang-ilang
Scientific Name: Cananga odorata
Also known as the “Perfume Tree,” the Ilang-ilang originated in the Philippines. With its bark that can reach to about 80 feet tall, the Ilang-ilang boasts of a sweet, fresh scent, as well as leggy blooms with long, curving narrow petals of a greenish-yellow color.
In the Philippines, Ilang-ilang is a symbol of femininity and sensuality. With its calming scent, Ilang-ilang also used as in essential oils and floral perfumes.
When planting this flower, the hot water treatment of the seeds is the first step. This bloom thrives in humid lowlands and with teak trees.
3. Camia
Scientific Name: Hedychium coronarium
Commonly known as “White Ginger” outside the Philippines, the Camia is a wild flower, characterized by white petals with shades of yellow and crinkled margins. The Camia easily thrives in damp soil. Stem cuttings can be used to develop new plants.
The sad news though is that this flower had landed a spot on the Philippines’ endangered list. Its mature seeds may be used in hair and skin treatments.
4. Hasmin
Scientific Name: Jasminum
Hasmin or Jasmine is often associated with love and romance. Like the Sampaguita, it is used in garlands for religious events and wedding ceremonies. It is also the national flower of Pakistan.
With its strong and sweet smell, it is a very popular fragrant oil used in the production perfume, soap, and lotion. Meanwhile, Jasmine Tea is not really made from the flower, but from green tea infused with Jasmine fragrance. Jasmine flowers are not edible and should not be brewed.
5. Cadena de Amor
Scientific Name: Antigonon leptopus
Cadena de Amor is the Spanish term for “Chain of Love”–called such because of its white and dainty pink blooms that look like little hearts in chains. Romantics say that this flower can be compared to a fickle lover who’s here today and gone tomorrow, because the blooms live only for a week before falling off its vines.
According to local reports, the Cadena de Amor is used for closing wounds by the Ifugao migrants in foothills of the Sierra Madre. Meanwhile, Thailand uses its leaves and flowers in flavoring their noodles.
Sources:
Philippine Folk Literature: An Anthology
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236971471_Cadena_de_Amor_Antigonon_leptopus
http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/tropicalflowers/sampaguita
http://www.practicalgardening.blackdovenest.com/2009/09/camia-aka-hedychium-philippinense-or.html
As generally fair weather is expected to prevail in most parts of the country, the start of love month may be rainy for some due to the presence of the Northeast Monsoon and Easterlies.
The Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Amihan, continues to affect the extreme Northern Luzon. It will bring light rains over Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan group of Islands. Amihan is cold and dry air coming from Mainland China or Siberia, which usually starts to affect the country during the ber months, and peaks every January or February.
The cold breeze may not be as dominant as the past few days. In fact, PAGASA has recorded 15 degrees Celsius in the “City of Pines” yesterday, a bit higher than the previous week.
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Despite the fluctuating temperatures, PAGASA Weather Forecaster says that the Amihan will prevail this February together with other weather systems. These include the Easterlies, Tail End of a Cold Front, Ridge of High Pressure Area, Low Pressure Area and Tropical Cyclone.
For small fishing boats in the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon, sea travel remains risky as the surge of the Amihan continues. Rough to very rough sea conditions are expected.
Meanwhile, the warm and moist characteristics of the Easterlies will dump light to moderate rains and thunderstorms in Eastern Visayas, CARAGA and Davao Oriental. The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
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