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The most wonderful time of the year is approaching! Many of us are already busy planning for the holidays by organizing parties and shopping for gifts. But another thing Filipinos look forward to during the ber months is the cool weather. Read on to find out more about what to expect as Christmas approaches.

1. “Is it sweater weather already?”
Keep your sweaters on standby! According to PAGASA, weather will gradually become cooler as the Northeast Monsoon or Hanging Amihan approaches the country. Temperatures will slightly drop especially in the Extreme Northern Luzon. Colder nights and early mornings may be experienced during ber months but the peak of Amihan usually occurs in January and February.

2. “How cold will it be these ber months?”
To give you an idea of how cold the weather may get, here are the expected minimum and maximum temperatures:

3. “How many typhoons can we expect for the rest of the year?”
Since the climatic condition in the Philippines remains neutral, the number of Tropical Cyclones that may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is also within the average range. For the month of September, 2 to 4 Tropical Cyclones normally enter the PAR, while at least one is expected in October until the end of the year. These are just the average numbers, and may still vary depending on the atmospheric conditions.

4. “Why are there more typhoons during the ber months?”
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez, the last quarter of the year is when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) becomes dominant and usually oscillates to reach the Philippine premises. And because the ITCZ is a breeding ground of Low Pressure Areas (LPAs), the formation of weather disturbances also becomes a common scenario during ber months.

5. “What is the difference between Amihan and Habagat?”
Amihan, also known as the Northeast Monsoon, is characterized by cold and dry air coming from Mainland China or Siberia. It usually becomes prevalent during ber months, bringing cooler weather conditions. Compared to Habagat, which is characterized by warm and moist winds, Amihan brings light rains mostly in the northern and eastern portions of the country. However, both weather systems trigger rough to very rough conditions. When the surge of Amihan and Habagat transpires, gale warning is usually hoisted, urging fisherfolk to avoid sea travel.

6. “Why do typhoons hit the landmass during the season?”
Apart from colder weather, light rains and bumpy coastal waters, the Amihan also affects tropical cyclones. Due to its cold and dry characteristics, it may weaken the cyclone and may also drive it towards the landmass. Thus, tropical cyclones during ber months have a greater chance of making landfall.

7. “Why can’t we experience a White Christmas?”
“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas, just like the ones I used to know…”

This song perfectly complements the Filipinos’ longing to experience snow in our country. Unfortunately, unlike countries in the temperate regions, tropical countries like the Philippines, don’t have a winter season.

8. “Will it still be rainy during the ber months?”
In a La Niña Watch issued on October 20, 2017, there is a 65 to 70 % probability that a weak La Niña will develop in either late October or November this year, which may last through the first quarter of 2018. Above normal rainfall conditions are expected over the most parts of the country. La Niña is characterized by unusually cooler than the average sea surface temperatures (SST) in the Central and Eastern equatorial Pacific (CEEP).

9. “When is the longest night of the year?”
Mark your calendars for an astronomical event you shouldn’t miss before the year ends! The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, where the sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn. The solstice is derived from the Latin “sol”, meaning “sun” and “sistere” which means “to stand still”. This usually happens on December 21 or 22.

10. “What weather systems will affect the country ?”
Several weather systems are expected to prevail during ber months. These include the Hanging Amihan, ITCZ, the Tail-end of a Cold Front, Low Pressure Area (LPA) and Tropical Cyclones. Such weather systems will bring rains and thunderstorms. However, we may still experience fair weather, especially when the Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) becomes dominant.

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Though weather these BER months may not be as cold as that in previous months because of the El Niño ( http://www.panahon.tv/blog/2015/10/el-nino-getting-stronger-threatens-ph-until-2016/ ), we cannot deny that we’ve been waking up to cooler, crisper air these past few weeks. To make sure you’re prepared for the weather changes, keep these five things in your bag.
1 jacket

A no-brainer essential when it’s cold, a jacket can also be a handy way to protect you from the sudden rains. Opt for hoodies that can keep your head dry and warm during cold, rainy days.
1 scarf

If wearing jackets is not your thing, shawls and scarves are fashionable ways to keep warm. There are several ways to wear them too—as a shrug, as a wrap, as a neck warmer. With several designs and colors to choose from, these accessories don’t only make you look good; you can also use them to wipe off sweat, as a pouch, or as a blanket for an impromptu picnic! When it’s sunny, use it to cover your head as a stylish sunscreen.
1 lotion

When cold weather comes, expect dry skin. That’s because the air holds less moisture at this time. To prevent skin from drying out, which makes it more susceptible to skin breakage, always bring a small bottle of lotion, which you can apply several times during the day.

1 lip balm

During this season, our lips are also at the mercy of cold weather. Avoid chapped, cracked lips by regularly using lip balm. Remember that lip balm is not just a girl thing; there are plenty of untinted lip balms guys can use. Moisturize your lips because extreme dryness can lead to sores, which can be pretty painful.
1 water

During cold weather, our bodies sometimes lose their sense of thirst. Be conscious of your water intake, and always bring a bottle of water with you at all times. This helps keep you hydrated and energized even when it’s cold.

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As temperatures drop in the morning, more and more people are snuggling deeper into their blankets instead of getting up. Sleeping in is perfectly fine on weekends, but on weekdays when we need to leave for school or work early, time is of the essence. To help you fight off lethargy, here are some tips to help you get up faster during the BER months.
1

Do not stay awake late at night by surfing or stalking people on social media, or going out with friends. Save these for Friday or the weekend. Sleeping late makes you extra-sluggish in the morning—and coupled with the cold weather, you don’t stand a chance!

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Salivating over the latest tech gadget? Dreaming of that dream house you want to build for your family? Then get out of bed and start reaching for your goals. By reminding yourself WHY you have to go to the office motivates you in giving your all at work. Be positive, and keep your eye on the prize. You’ll find it easier to ditch the bed for your workplace.

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The reason why we want to stay in bed when cold weather strikes is because of our warm sheets. So why not drink something warm to boost your temperature? A warm caffeine kick may also be the thing to jolt you into wakefulness so you’ll feel ready to face the day.

4

When inertia is pulling you down, some recommend setting your alarm 15 minutes in advance, and snooze it every 5 minutes for at least three times. This way, your body has time to adjust to fully waking up. With the constant ringing of your alarm, it will be more difficult for you to go back to sleep.

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Taking a shower can get your blood circulation going, and help warms your body. If you find yourself nodding off in the shower, ditch the hot water and go for cold. Trust us; you’ll be awake in no time.
So the next time you’re experiencing separation anxiety with your warm bed, try these literally eye-opening suggestions. Here’s to more productive days with an early headstart in the mornings!

Sources:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-tips-for-making-the-winter-wake-up-easier-181095
http://lifehacker.com/why-youre-not-a-morning-person-and-how-to-become-one-514388263

HUNGRY

It’s an all-too familiar scenario: when the rains fall and temperatures drop, you find yourself heading to the office pantry, the kitchen, the nearest café, or wherever you can score your fill of munchies.

But what is it about the cold weather that makes us want to consume more calories? Well, according to Executive Chef slash Nutritionist Ma. Lourdes Cruz-Caudal, we tend to eat more during cold weather because our body needs to maintain its normal body heat or temperature. A way to cope with the cold is through eating, since calories are transformed into energy or heat.

But for those who are watching their weight, you don’t need to worry about the keeping the cravings on a tight leash. According to Chef Lourdes, one only needs to make the right food choices.

• Veer away from animal fats in meats like pork and beef, which can be converted to cholesterol that can lead to high blood pressure. Instead, go for the healthier alternative: fruits, vegetables and fish oils, the latter containing heart-healthy essential fatty acids.
• Avoid too much consumption of salty foods, such as junk food as these can cause illnesses like hypertension.
• If you’re fond of spicy food, go for it. Though Koreans thrive in spicy dishes that help warm the bodies, Chef Lourdes warns those with delicate stomachs against its consumption, as spicy food can trigger discomfort and even ulcer in some.

So don’t despair if you’re munching more than usual these “ber” months. Quality matters much more than quantity. When in doubt, you may consult a dietitian or nutritionist to plot out a menu, and compute your required calorie intake, which is according to your height and weight. But if you don’t have the budget, you can D-I-Y your food plan on the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) website and look for the topic, Food-based dietary guidelines Philippines.

A few days before September, netizens were already expressing their enthusiasm over the approaching “ber” months. For us, Filipinos, the holiday season unofficially begins at this period, when we anticipate the most festive time of the year.

But as we await the Christmas season, the weather also undergoes changes. Normally, this month, the southwest monsoon or hanging habagat gradually weakens. Since its onset on June, the habagat has been causing heavy downpour, experienced mostly in the western section of the country.

After the habagat, the winds will shift, giving way to the northeast monsoon or hanging amihan. This weather system usually kicks in late October, bringing cold and dry air. The presence of amihan may also mean slightly cooler mornings mostly in the northern part of Luzon. In 2014, the onset of amihan occurred on October 16.
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Aside from the anticipated arrival of amihan, there is also an interesting astronomical event to look forward to this month – the Autumnal or September Equinox. Derived from the latin word aequus meaning equal, and nox, which means night, equinox refers to the time of the year where there is equal day and night time.

PAGASA’s astronomical diary says that the equinox will occur on September 23, 2015 at 4:20 PM. This event will mark the start of longer nights in the Philippines as the sun moves below the celestial equator. Longer nights equate to shorter exposure to sunlight, thus, colder weather may slowly begin after the equinox.

Meanwhile, in December, we will have the shortest day and the longest night of the year, marking the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere. Although the Philippines does not have winter, we experience cooler temperatures at this time because we are located in the northern half of the Earth.

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However, with the prevailing El Niño phenomenon, PAGASA says temperatures this year may not be as low as the previous year’s. El Niño is the unusual warming of the ocean and rising sea surface temperature (SST) over the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific (CEEP).

Latest forecasts from different weather and climate agencies show that El Niño may strengthen and continue beyond the ber months, lasting until May of 2016. The usual chilly ber months may become a little warmer this year, except in the mountainous areas in the north.

Sources:
PAGASA-DOST
World Meteorological Organization

Today marks the start of “ber” months, one of the most awaited seasons
of the year. As we start another month, the low pressure area (LPA)
remains within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is
still embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

These weather systems will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate
rains and isolated thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Central Luzon,
CALABARZON, Central and Eastern Visayas and Mindanao. The rest of the
country will have generally fair weather aside from possible isolated
thunderstorms.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz says the LPA has a slim chance of
developing into a tropical cyclone. In fact, it could weaken or might
dissipate tonight or early morning tomorrow. All are advised to
monitor updates from the weather bureau.

Since we are now welcoming a new month, here’s an overview on what to
expect this September. Starting off with the weather systems, various
weather systems are expected to affect the country. These include the
southwest monsoon, ridge of high pressure area, ITCZ, low pressure
area, and tropical cyclone.

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Based on the climatological records of PAGASA, an average of two (2)
to four (4) tropical cyclones enter the PAR during this month.
Cyclones could recurve northward or move away from the landmass but
there is still the possibility of these making landfall, particularly
in Luzon.

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In terms of rainfall, Loiz says most parts of the country will receive
below normal rainfall mostly over Ilocos Norte, Cagayan and Isabela as
the southwest monsoon or “habagat” gradually weakens.

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We, Filipinos are known, not only for our hospitality, but also for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world. As early as the first day of September, which marks the beginning of the “Ber Months,” Christmas carols can be heard in establishments, reminding everyone that the yuletide season is just a few months away.

One of the exciting events during “ber months” is the Autumnal Equinox. According to PAGASA, it will happen on September 23, Tuesday, at 10:29 am in Philippine Standard Time.

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During the equinox, there will be equal lengths of day and night, meaning there will be 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of night time. Instead of a tilt away from or towards the sun, the earth’s axis of rotation is perpendicular to the sun rays. After this, Philippine nights will be longer as the Sun moves below the celestial equator towards the southern hemisphere. Longer nights also mean shorter exposure to sunlight. That’s why a slight temperature drop can be expected.

Meanwhile, December 21 will have the shortest day and the longest night of the year, marking the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere. Although the Philippines does not have winter, we experience cooler temperatures at this time because we are located in the northern half of the Earth.

The onset of the Northeast Monsoon or “Amihan,” which brings cold and dry air, is also a major factor of cold weather. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Fernando Cada, this usually occurs during late October. The onset of Amihan could mean a slight chill during early mornings, mostly in parts of Luzon.

The peak of Amihan is in January, and most likely to last until February. January is one of the coldest months of the year. Northern, elevated provinces like Benguet usually experience the lowest temperatures, allowing the formation of frost in their vegetable farms.

Last year, PAGASA declared the onset of Amihan on October 17, 2013. The weather bureau observed the development of high pressure areas over mainland China, which shifted the wind direction, bringing cold and dry air over the Extreme Northern Luzon.

Currently, PAGASA continues to monitor the probability of a “weak El Niño” in the last quarter of 2014. This phenomenon, which is characterized by unusually warm ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, might affect the weather patterns in the country. While temperatures may be higher than normal, breezes may not be as cold as expected. Rainfall below the normal level may also be experienced in the coming months.

SOURCE: PAGASA