The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will bring light to moderate rain showers over Mindanao today.

Meanwhile, due to the wind convergence MIMAROPA, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers. The rest of the country will experience fair weather apart from localized thunderstorms.

In other news, the weather disturbance outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has developed into a tropical depression. PAGASA says that this cyclone may possibly enter Philippine boundary next week.

Metro Manila Rains

Rain showers experienced in Metro Manila was brought by cumulonimbus clouds, a type of thunderstorm cloud that brings rain showers which persist for 2 to 3 hours.

According to PAGASA, 23 out of 31 days of August, rain showers will prevail. Compared to the month of July, August will bring more rains in the country.

The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) remains as the dominant weather system today. This is a region in the atmosphere where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet, resulting to cloud formation.

The axis of ITCZ has oscillated, affecting Visayas and Mindanao. The clouds due to ITCZ will dump rains over Mindanao, Western and Central Visayas, and Palawan.

The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will enjoy good weather today. However, thunderstorms are frequent this rainy season so expect isolated rain showers. In turn, PAGASA will issue thunderstorm warnings on social media accounts.

What is in for August?

The average number of tropical cyclones for August is between 3 to 4, but with the effect of the ongoing moderate El Niño phenomenon, an average of 2 to 4 cyclones are expected to affect, or at least enter the Philippine boundary.

El Niño, as defined by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is “a phenomenon in the equatorial Pacific Ocean characterized by a positive surface temperature departure from normal in the Niño region 3.4 greater than or equal in magnitude to 0.5 degrees C, averaged over three consecutive months”. El Niño occurs when there is a significant rise in sea surface temperature.

Based on the forecast track of PAGASA, 2 out of 4 cyclones are expected to cross Northern Luzon this month of August before leaving PAR. Meanwhile, there will be chances that cyclones will re-curve and will not make any landfall. However, this could intensify the southwest monsoon, which will result to heavy rain showers.

Inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the low-pressure area (LPA) remains almost stationary. At 4:00 AM today, the LPA was spotted at 560 kms. east of Legazpi City.

The said weather disturbance is still embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) currently across Visayas.

Based on PAGASA’s latest weather forecast, we can expect cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the provinces of Mindoro and Palawan.

The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Chan Hom is expected to intensify into typhoon category. It also has a probability of absorbing its nearest LPA.

State meteorologist Jori Loiz says it has a low chance of entering the PAR as it moves towards Southern Japan. However, it will enhance the southwest monsoon, which will bring more rains in the western side of the Philippines.

The axis of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is now across Visayas.

This means rainy weather, not only in the Visayas, but also over MIMAROPA and Mindanao. The remaining parts of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms usually in the afternoon or evening.

Meanwhile, a cloud cluster outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) is being monitored by the weather bureau.

State Meteorologist Jori Loiz said that this might develop into a low pressure area and enter the PAR late this week or early next week.

Its possibility of becoming a tropical cyclone is currently being assessed. Once it does, this might enhance the southwest monsoo,n bringing more rains especially over the western section of the Philippines.

In relation to the southwest monsoon, Loiz shared that it is affecting not only the Philippines, but also other countries in Southeast Asia. In fact, India is experiencing heavy rains due to a strong monsoon today.

Rainy weather will prevail in most parts of the country due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said that the LPA imbedded along the ITCZ across Visayas has dissipated yesterday evening.

Today, ITCZ will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies will be experienced over the rest of Luzon. Isolated rains or thunderstorms are possible during the latter part of the day.

If you think the rains yesterday was a random occurrence, think again. Expect thunderstorm formation later and more rains as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) remains situated across the Visayas.

The axis of the ITCZ is where two different winds converge, bringing cloudy skies and precipitation. It is also known to be the breeding ground of Low Pressure Areas and possible tropical cyclones.

Based on PAGASA’s latest weather forecast, this weather system will bring cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms over the Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Visayas and Mindanao. The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will still experience isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Despite the looming rainy weather condition, the archipelago’s coastal waters remains slight to moderate.

Meanwhile, commuters were stranded due to heavy rains and flooding experienced in Metro Manila yesterday in the late afternoon.

The top three highest rainfall amount recorded are as follows:

State Meteorologist Jori Loiz said that evidently, Metro Manila experienced a high amount of rains, encompassing a big berth of area in the metro.

Everyone is advised to bring umbrellas and to monitor weather updates as we expect another rainy day today.

In other news, today is the beginning of the Ramadan.

More than five years in the making, the undefeated American boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. will finally exchange blows with eight-time, eight-division champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. As the entire nation eagerly anticipates the battle, here’s a quick guide to one of the biggest boxing fights in decades.

IN A NUTSHELL: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

WHERE:
MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

WHEN:
The two best pound-for-pound fighters in the world will face off in the Welterweight showdown on Saturday night (May 2) in Las Vegas. The fight will air in the Philippines on Sunday, May 3.

THE FIGHTERS:

THEIR BOXING STYLES:

MAYWEATHER: Orthodox.
One of the most common stances in boxing, the right-handed Floyd will be leading with the left side of his body. Michael Olajide Jr. of Vogue writes Floyd is a “consummate boxer. Abides by the rule, ‘Hit and don’t get hit.’ Defense before offense.”

Meanwhile, Sean Wagner-McGough of CBS Sports describes Mayweather as “the crafty, savvy boxer, a defensive wizard. But if anyone can break is going to break through the defense and land some meaningful blows on Mayweather, Pacquiao is the guy.”

PACQUIAO: Southpaw.
Manny is left-handed but he will be leading with the right side of his body. Olajide states “Pacman attacks suddenly with speed and power from awkward angles, which makes his punches hard to defend against. Offense is everything.”

Wagner-McGough adds that Pacquiao, being “one of the most aggressive, offensive forces of his generation, is the perfect contrast to Mayweather’s conservative style. It won’t be easy. You don’t connect often on Mayweather so he has to be even more active.”

THE VIEWING:
With ticket prices soaring and selling like hotcakes within a mere 60 seconds, the Mayweather – Pacquiao mega bout smashed all Pay-Per-View records. The fight will also be aired live in public on wide screen TVs. Fans can also watch and reserve tickets in participating bars, restaurants and hotels.

THE EARNINGS:
It is considered the biggest fight of this century and the biggest cash cow in boxing history. But Mayweather will earn a bit more than Pacquiao due to the 60/40 split they agreed on.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT:
Costing a million dollars, the especially designed championship belt presents one-of-a-kind features.
Crafted in Mexico, the belt is made with green leather, the same material used in Ferraris, and studded with 3,017 Emeralds. It also contains 800 grams of Gold and some silver.

Representing the countries affiliated with the WBC, it showcases 165 national flags, and features the faces of former WBC president Jose Sulaiman, Mayweather, Pacquiao and the legendary Muhammad Ali.

THE ODDS:
Aggression, speed, angles and feints are the key points for Pacquiao to win this bout. Meanwhile, Mayweather will have to focus on countering, timing, and impeccable defense.
Mayweather remains to be the undefeated man, knowing for throwing harder punches as suggested by his KO ratio. However, Pacquiao’s offensive style is one that Floyd has never fought before.

MAY WEATHER

But whether or not the fight will result into win for our country, Panahon TV reminds us to gear up for our yearly bout with May weather.

This month is the peak of the Hot and Dry Season; so maximum temperatures are likely to be recorded at this time. In Metro Manila, the forecast temperature plays between 23 to 36 degrees Celsius.

The country will continue to experience warm and humid weather conditions due to the prevailing Easterlies. These are warm winds blowing from the east that pass through the Pacific Ocean, generating thunderstorms mostly over the eastern section of the Philippines.

The Ridge of High Pressure Area may also reach the northern regions. This weather system is characterized by very light winds and clear skies.

Meanwhile, the axis of the Intertropical Convergence Zone is also expected to affect the southern regions of the archipelago. ITCZ is the breeding ground of Low Pressure Areas (LPA) and tropical cyclones. This is brought about by the convergence of the winds coming from the northeast and southeast that causes thunderstorm formations.

LPAs may be expected to form and affect the country, with a chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone or bagyo. During the month of May, the Philippines has an average of 1 to 2 tropical cyclones, with the forecast track record of hitting Southern Luzon and Central Visayas.

From the second week to the latter part of May, frequent thunderstorm formation occurs. Simply put, this month will have more rains experienced compared to April. Normal rainfall in Metro Manila is 174.98 millimeters but with the existence of the El Niño, forecast rainfall in the said area plays between 144.2 to 159.4 millimeters this month.

SOURCES:

Michael Olajide Jr. / April 29, 2015 / http://www.vogue.com/13257090/floyd-mayweather-manny-pacquiao-vegas-fight-2015/

Sean Wagner-McGough / April 30, 2015 / http://mweb.cbssports.com/general/eye-on-sports/25167909/mayweather-pacquiao-10-things-to-know-about-fight-of-the-century

Telegraph Sport / May 01, 2015 / http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/mayweather-vs-pacquiao/11573189/When-is-Floyd-Mayweather-vs-Pacquiao-what-channel.html

Payong PAGASA Climate Guide 2015

Meteorology covers a wide variety of terminology that we often hear, but seldom understand and remember. Check out these weather words and be in the know!

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), some scientists define climate as the average weather condition based on 30 years of observation.

It is important to study climate as it plays a big role in our lives. Rising global temperatures can cause sea levels to rise or affect precipitation over a specific region, human health and various ecosystems. Climate change is one of our generation’s major concerns.

2. SEASON

Season refers to the time of the year caused by the tilting of the Earth. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) says it is the division of the year based on the recurring astronomical or climatic phenomenon.

However, the location of an area, whether it is in the northern or southern hemisphere, affects its seasons. Other regions have complete seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Philippines, being a tropical country, has two official seasons – wet and dry. The wet season usually starts in June as the southwest monsoon or habagat prevails. Rainfall during this season is concentrated over the western sections of the country.

Meanwhile, dry season normally starts in March when warm and humid weather is experienced. Though the scorching heat is felt over all the country, PAGASA clarifies that the term “summer” is not applicable to the Philippines. Meteorologically, we only have the wet and dry seasons.

3. ITCZ

The convergence of winds coming from the northern and southern hemispheres results to group of convective clouds known as the ITCZ or Intertropical Convergence Zone. This weather system affects the country depending on the orientation of the sun or the season. Once it becomes active, it can be a breeding ground of weather disturbances or low pressure areas.

Aside from tropical cyclones, ITCZ is one of the weather systems that cause flooding and landslides because it triggers moderate to heavy precipitation over the affected areas.

4. PAR

PAR means Philippine Area of Responsibility, an area in the Northwest Pacific, where PAGASA monitors tropical cyclones that are expected to affect the country. Once a tropical cyclone enters PAR, it is automatically given a local name so Filipinos can easily remember it.

With a measurement of more than 4 million square kilometres, PAR covers the West Philippine Sea, Bashi Channel over the north, part of the Pacific Ocean in the east and Sulu and Celebes Seas in the south.

One must remember that the Philippine Area of Responsibility is different from the country itself. When we say a tropical cyclone is entering the PAR, it doesn’t mean that it will hit the Philippine landmass. It may still change its course or re-curve away from the country.

5. HABAGAT

Filipinos often hear the southwest monsoon or habagat during the rainy season. Characterized by warm and moist air, it speeds up cloud formation, which dumps rains mostly over the western section of the country.

Once a habagat is enhanced by a tropical cyclone entering PAR, it can bring heavy downpour that may cause widespread flooding.
During the passage of “Ondoy” last 2009 and “Maring” in 2013, habagat brought enormous amounts to Luzon, which led to serious flooding.

6. AMIHAN

After habagat comes the northeast monsoon or amihan, a wind system characterized by cold and dry air coming from Mainland China. It normally starts to prevail during mid-October just like this year, when its onset was officially declared by PAGASA on October 16, 2014.

Amihan is responsible for colder mornings and lower temperatures during the “ber” months. It also affects sea conditions and may direct tropical cyclones towards the Philippine landmass with a higher chance of landfall.

7. THUNDERSTORM

PAGASA issues thunderstorm warnings everyday mostly in the afternoon or evening. A thunderstorm is a weather disturbance that produces rains, gusty winds, lightning and thunder.

Thunderstorm formation occurs through water cycle, wherein heat serves as the main component. As the sun heats up the land or a body of water, warm air rises, producing clouds by means of condensation. Once the cloud becomes massive, precipitation follows in the form of rain, drizzle or hail.

Along with gusty winds and moderate to heavy rains, thunder and lightning also occur during a thunderstorm. Lightning is caused by the connection of the positive charges at the top of the cloud and the negative charges formed at the bottom. Due to lightning, thunder is produced by vibration of air particles.

Flooding in low lying areas is expected during thunderstorms.

8. 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), an area that has an atmospheric pressure lower than its surrounding locations.

A tropical cyclone is classified into three: Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm and Typhoon. Each of these is measured by its maximum wind speeds and not by its amount of rainfall. An average of 19 to 21 tropical cyclones enter PAR each year.

9. LANDFALL

Landfall happens when the surface of a tropical cyclone intersects with a coastline. In this scenario, the landmass or the affected area will experience stormy weather with moderate to heavy rains and gusty winds. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it is possible for a cyclone’s strongest winds to be experienced over land even if landfall does not occur. In some instances, its strongest winds could also remain over the water even if it made its landfall.

Tropical cyclones can have a series of landfalls like what happened to Typhoon Yolanda wherein 6 landfall activities were recorded on the 8th of November 2013.

10. STORM SURGE

Storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level associated with a tropical storm or typhoon. It is usually measured by deducting the normal high tide from the observed storm tide.

This event is never related to tsunami, which is a sea level rise brought by a strong earthquake. A tsunami is triggered by underwater seismic activities while a storm surge is generated by strong winds from a storm.

Sources: PAGASA-DOST, NOAA, NASA

Last October, we met Neneng, Ompong and Paeng but thankfully, none of these tropical cyclones hit Philippine landmass. The previous month also marked the onset of the northeast monsoon or amihan, bringing chillier early mornings.

Now that we have entered a new month, here are some important things to know about November weather:

1. The rainy season will continue.

Many have wondered if the official rainy season ended now that the amihan has started to affect the country. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz, the rainy season is almost over only in the western section including Zambales, Bataan and Metro Manila (areas under Climate Type I). These areas have received rains brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat that prevailed during the past few months.

Due to the northeast monsoon or amihan, rainfall this month will be concentrated mostly over the eastern section of the country. However, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Manny Mendoza said that most areas of Mindanao will also experience rainy weather brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

According to PAGASA, most areas in Luzon and Visayas will receive a generally below-normal rainfall while near-normal rainfall conditions will be experienced in Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Albay, Eastern and Central Visayas, and Mindanao.

2. Tropical cyclones will have a higher chance of hitting landmass.

An average of two or three tropical cyclones normally enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the month of November. A higher chance of landfall is expected due to the effect of the amihan.

According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio, Visayas provinces are usually hit by tropical cyclones at this time because the amihan tends to drive the tropical cyclones towards the landmass.

3. Various weather systems will take center stage.

The dominant weather systems that will prevail within PAR are the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), tail end of a cold front, amihan, possible low pressure area and tropical cyclones.

ITCZ is an area where air masses from the northern and southern hemispheres meet while the tail end of a cold front is the convergence of cold and warm air masses. Since converging winds result to cloudiness, both weather systems are expected to bring rain showers and thunderstorms over the affected areas.

Northeast Monsoon, on the other hand, is cold and dry air coming from the mainland China, responsible for the “malamig na simoy ng hangin” as the Christmas Season approaches.

Meanwhile, a possible formation of low pressure area could occur due to the active ITCZ. Once an LPA develops, it could intensify as a tropical cyclone or ”bagyo”.