easterlies – Page 3

Rising temperatures, sweltering heat, and that sticky feeling – there’s no doubt that we’re already experiencing tag-init! To help you understand those weather reports better, here are some of the meteorological terms that you will often encounter this season:

1. DRY SEASON
Technically, we do not have “summer”. The Philippines, being a tropical country, has only two official seasons – wet and dry. Summer is experienced in temperate regions with four seasons. In our country, Dry season or tag-init is the equivalent of summer.

2. EASTERLIES
These are warm and humid winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, which usually affect the eastern section of the country. However, since warm air or heat is a major factor for cloud formation, Easterlies can also generate isolated thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.

3. RIDGE OF HPA
“Ridge” refers to the extended part of a High Pressure Area or an anticyclone. Unlike a Low Pressure Area, this indicates an area where the atmospheric pressure is higher than its surroundings.

Formation of clouds is usually suppressed, thus, less chance of rains. Fair weather is typically experienced when a Ridge of High Pressure Area extends over the archipelago.

4. GENERALLY FAIR WEATHER
Many people still get confused when they hear this. Generally fair weather means partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Less than half of the day will be cloudy, but rains are still possible, depending on the prevailing weather system.

On the other hand, “isolated” means localized. This means that it may be raining in your place, but not in the nearby areas. It happens when clouds are scattered in different parts of the atmosphere.

5. AIR TEMPERATURE
Air temperature is determined by using a weather instrument, commonly a thermometer. Also termed as “surface temperature”, it is obtained when a thermometer is exposed to the air but is sheltered from direct sun exposure.

6. HUMIDITY
Humidity is the amount of water vapor or moisture in the air. It can make high temperatures even more unbearable, often with a moist or “malagkit” feeling. Humidity is an important factor that affects the weather and climate as well.

7. HEAT INDEX
Also called as “human discomfort index”, heat index refers to the temperature obtained from the high air temperature and relative humidity. It also describes how the human body perceives the heat or the warm weather.

PAGASA says full exposure to sunlight may increase the heat index by 9 degrees Celsius. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio says the heat index is always higher than the actual air temperature. High heat indices could lead to fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

8. THUNDERSTORM
Despite the fact that we are already in Tag-init Season, we may still experience rains brought by thunderstorms. Most people get confused when a downpour occurs after hours of scorching heat.

According to Former US Vice President Al Gore, also the founder of the Climate Reality Project, warmer air holds more moisture. Heat also speeds up the evaporation, bringing more clouds, which could later dump moderate to heavy rains.

During a thunderstorm, lightning and thunder also occur, along with gusty winds. Thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon or evening, which can last for 1 to 2 hours.

9. EL NIÑO
El Niño is a climatic condition wherein an unusual increase in sea surface temperature (SST) or warming of the ocean is observed. In the Philippines, it mostly affects the agricultural sector due to reduced rainfall and warmer weather.

PAGASA says the prevailing El Niño may also have an effect on the current Hot and Dry season. Temperatures may continue to rise, and the duration of tag-init may be prolonged as well.

10. TROPICAL CYCLONE
Tropical cyclone is the general term for a “bagyo,” which starts out from a cloud cluster that develops into a Low Pressure Area (LPA), which has an atmospheric pressure lower than its surrounding locations.

One common misconception during tag-init is that it’s not normal to have a Tropical Cyclone. Every month, there is a chance for a Tropical Cyclone to enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

In fact, we monitored “Bagyong Chedeng” just last year and it coincided with the observance of the Holy Week. Chedeng intensified as a Typhoon and even made landfall in Isabela.

This April, the average number of tropical cyclone is 0 or 1. When it comes to the track, it may make landfall or may re-curve northward away from the landmass.

Sources:
PAGASA-DOST
NOAA
www.mymobilebay.com
www.study.com

The Easterlies still dominate the eastern section of Central and Southern Luzon, as well as Visayas and Mindanao, while the Ridge of High Pressure Area continues to extend over Northern Luzon. These two weather systems will be bringing good weather condition all over the country, including Metro Manila. However, there are still chances of isolated rain showers and/or thunderstorms mostly in the eastern section of the country.

With such weather perfect for outdoor activities, we listed five mountains in Batangas beginners can take on. Just make sure you take the necessary precautions before you begin the climb!

As Easterlies continuously affect the eastern section of the country, expect good weather condition all over, including Metro Manila–though with still chances of localized thunderstorms in the aftenoon or everning.

Because it’s the perfect weather to take a dip, here are some of the metro’s public swimming pools that are friendly on the pocket:

Easterlies still dominate the eastern section of Luzon, bringing good weather condition all over the country including Metro Manila. However, there are still chances of isolated rain showers and/or thunderstorms in the afternoon or in the evening.

Make the most out of the good weather today with these 5 top outdoor activities you can do in the Philippines.

As Easterlies or winds from the Pacific ocean continue to dominate in the eastern section of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, good weather condition is expected in the the country. Take note, however, that there is still a chance of isolated rain showers and/or thunderstorms in the afternoon or in the evening.

And because “Tag-init” is almost here, it’s the season to travel! Here are a few activities you can enjoy in the country’s different provinces:

The Northeast Monsoon or Amihan is now back, affecting the Extreme Northern Luzon. Isolated light rains will be experienced in Batanes, and the Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands. Meanwhile, Easterlies continuously affect the eastern section of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Fair weather condition is expected in the rest of the archipelago, including Metro Manila, but there are still chances of localized thunderstorms in the afternoon or in the evening.

And because of the surge of the Amihan, gale warning was raised in the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon. It will be bringing wave height up to 3.4 to 4.5 meters, enough to overturn fishing boats and other small seacraft.

We’ve said goodbye to the love month and have welcomed the 3rd month of 2016. As we march on, take time to get an overview of this month’s expected weather:

Goodbye “Amihan”?
PAGASA says the termination of the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as “Amihan”, usually happens in the first half of March. Amihan is cold and dry air mass that comes from the Mainland China or Siberia. It started to affect the country during the “ber” months of last year, and peaked in January to February.

However, Amihan may be down to its last hurrah this month as a gradual increase in daily temperature is now being experienced in most parts of the country. Wind direction is also starting to shift from northeasterly to easterly. Thus, termination of the Northeast Monsoon is imminent.

According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Benison Estareja, a slight upswing of temperature in upland areas like Baguio City will be the most evident. Here are the average minimum and maximum temperatures in the key cities of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao this March.

“Tag-init” bound
The weakening of Amihan means we are on our way to another season. Thus, we are already approaching the “tag-init” in the Philippines, wherein we’ll experience the effect of the easterlies.

Easterlies, on the other hand, are winds coming from the Pacific Ocean. As these winds intensify, air temperatures begin to soar, making the weather warmer and more humid.

Q: Do we really have “Summer” in the Philippines?
No we don’t. In Philippine context, the Hot and Dry season is the equivalent of summer. This marks the start of warm and humid days in the country.

The start of “tag-init” normally begins in the first or second week of March. Certain factors are observed before declaring the official Hot and Dry season. These include the consecutive rise of temperatures, termination of the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan, presence of a High-Pressure Area (HPA) and the prevailing Easterlies.

Rain and Shine
Different weather systems, which may cause warm weather but may still pose chances of rains, are expected to affect the archipelago. These include the Northeast Monsoon, Tail End of a Cold Front, Low-Pressure Area (LPA), Tropical Cyclone, Ridge of High-Pressure Area and Easterlies.

Despite the approaching “tag-init”, the possible formation of weather disturbance remains. In fact, there is an average of 0 or 1 tropical cyclone this March. Hence, PAGASA continues to remind the public to stay vigilant against a possible “bagyo”.

Based on the climatological records of the weather bureau, a cyclone’s path may be a hit or miss: (a) A cyclone may make landfall particularly in Visayas or Southern Luzon (b) A cyclone may re-curve, moving farther away from the landmass.

Last March 2015, Tropical Cyclone “Betty” was recorded to enter the Philippine boundary and brought rains over some parts of Luzon.

Along with cold weather and light rains, the Northeast monsoon or Amihan is affecting the Extreme northern Luzon, particularly the Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan Group of Islands. Meanwhile, for Metro Manila and the rest of the country, expect good weather as Easterlies continue to affect the eastern section of the archipelago, bringing warm and humid weather .

With the good weather we have, good vibes is a must have! Try being part of an artwork in a 3D Art Museum in Cubao! Unleash your creativity and your inner child

Operating hours: Tuesday until Sunday, 9:30AM -9:30PM
Location: 175 15th Ave. Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City.
Fees and Promos:
Regular Admission: P500.00- Adults
Senior Citizens/Students with ID/ PWDs (Persons with Disabilities): P100.00 discount

Though we haven’t felt the effects of the Northeast Monsoon or the Amihan in a while, Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan Group of islands will again experience today the cold weather with isolated light rains. Meanwhile, the whole eastern section of the archipelago will be affected by the Easterlies. For those who are living in Metro Manila and the rest of the country, expect favorable weather.

With the good weather, here are some places you should visit or re-visit:

Ride on a kalesa as you explore the historic Intramuros. Century-old Spanish architectural designs will lead you back to the old walled city.

Who says that there’s no quiet and intimate place to visit in Manila? Escape from the noise and pollution in this public park. Just remember that it’s closed every Wednesday.

Here’s a budget-friendly place where you can hang out with family o friends? Biking, zipping, and many more rides and activities can be found here. Stock up on munchies at the affordable food stalls.