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APRIL WEATHER 2016
It’s the fourth month of the year, and we are now feeling the scorching heat! But this is just an introduction to what we can expect, weather-wise, this April.

Rainfall
With the prevailing El Niño, dry days are definitely not over yet. Most parts of the country may still experience below-normal rainfall this month. While some parts of Mindanao may receive a slightly improved amount of precipitation, Visayas and almost the entire Luzon will only have a 41 to 80% chance of rain.
APRIL RAINFALL FORECAST 2016

Temperature
Warm and humid weather is expected to continue. Thus, temperatures will continue to rise along with the heat index. Also called “human discomfort index”, the heat index determines how our body perceives the warm weather. Obtained when relative humidity is added to the air temperature, the heat index is around 3 degrees Celsius higher than the air temperature.

Here are the average temperatures in the key cities of the Philippines:
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES 2016

Weather Systems
Several weather systems will prevail in the Philippine boundary, including the Ridge or the extended part of a High Pressure Area (HPA.) This will bring good weather because unlike a Low Pressure Area (LPA), HPA produces fewer clouds, bringing less chances of rain.

Easterlies, on the other hand, will dominantly affect the eastern section of the country, bringing warm and humid weather to the affected areas. However, since heat is a major ingredient for cloud formation, Easterlies may also generate isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

The Tail end of a Cold Front may also extend over the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). This refers to the extended part of a frontal system, which is the boundary or meeting point of two air masses wherein the cold air dominates the warm.

Another converging system, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), can also oscillate or move towards our boundary. ITCZ is a breeding ground of weather disturbances. Hence, formation of Low Pressure Areas and Tropical Cyclones is still possible.
APRIL WEATHER SYSTEMS 2016

Cyclones
PAGASA says that despite the blazing heat, an average of 0 or 1 tropical cyclone may enter or develop within the PAR. Last year, we monitored a cyclone on April 1 to 5, 2015. Tropical cyclone “Chedeng” dumped rains and brought strong winds in the eastern section of Luzon.

Chedeng weakened into a Low Pressure Area after making landfall in the Isabela area. Its passage within our boundary coincided with the observance of Holy Week last year.
CHEDENG Track

Astronomy
Meteor lovers will have a dazzling April due to the Lyrids meteor shower! If good weather permits, a dozen meteors per hour await sky watchers. Its peak will be on April 22 to the early hours (predawn) of April 23 this year. Though it may not create an abundant display, lyrids are considered to be bright and fast meteors.
LYRIDS METEOR SHOWER
The figure below shows the position of the radiant of the meteor shower at the constellation Lyra, the Lyre.
Figure3

UPDATED AS OF 8:56AM (PST) — Originally 10 kph shy of being a Super Typhoon by PAGASA standards, Chedeng further weakened to tropical depression category this morning.

From the original 215 kph wind strength, it now packs only 55 kph near the center, allowing PAGASA to lower Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) except in the provinces of Isabela, Aurora, Quirino and Polillo Island, which are still under PSWS #1 today. These areas will have occasional rains with gusty winds within at least 36 hours.

Aside from being downgraded into a tropical depression, Chedeng also remained stationary. In fact, PAGASA states it is expected to remain almost stationary in the next 6 hours.

State Meteorologist Samuel Duran says as of 8 o’clock this morning, Chedeng has already made landfall in the vicinity of Dinapigue, Isable. With unfavorable conditions, now including land interaction, Chedeng has a high chance of weakening into a Low Pressure Area instead of hitting the land.

The constant factors of its continued weakening and becoming almost stationary include two High Pressure Areas north and west of the country, as well as a strong vertical wind shear. These made the cyclone unable to retain and gain moisture to sustain its strength and continue its projected track.

With this, the threat of storm surge is removed. However, gale warning is up over the northern seaboards of Luzon. and the eastern seaboards of Northern and Southern Luzon as Chedeng will still generate rough to very rough sea conditions. Fisherfolk, especially in small seacraft, are then advised not to venture out due to risky sea travel especially.

EASTER SUNDAY WEATHER

Today, areas under PSWS #1 will experience occasional rains and gusty winds due to Chedeng. The Bicol Region and Samar provinces can expect a rainy Sunday as Metro Manila and the remaining parts of the country may experience a fair weather condition.

Everyone is advised to bring umbrellas for sun protection and possible thunderstorms later in the day. Also, continue monitoring weather updates thru Panahon TV social media accounts.