The “ber” months are in! But before you start playing Christmas carols and putting together your holiday shopping list, know what to expect this month, weather-wise.
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
The ITCZ is an area in the atmosphere where winds from the Southern and Northern Hemispheres meet—a convergence that contributes to cloud formation. According to PAGASA, the axis of ITCZ is erratic so it may affect any part of the country, usually bringing cloudy skies and light to moderate rain showers.
Southwest monsoon
Although PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez explains that September is usually the time of the year when the southwest monsoon is nearing its termination period, this weather system can still come to play this month. The southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat”, is composed of warm and moist air that comes from the southwest direction. It causes monsoon rains or moderate to heavy rain showers that could last for days or a week. Know more about habagat through this article.
Low Pressure Area (LPA)
The LPA is an area that has lower atmospheric pressure than its surrounding locations. This is usually formed in the Pacific Ocean where most water vapor is available. LPA brings light to moderate and sometimes heavy rain showers. This could also intensify into a tropical cyclone.
Tropical Cyclone
Tropical cyclones are the general term for bagyo, and are classified into four: Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm, Typhoon and Super Typhoon.
In September, an average of 3 to 4 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Based on the forecast track, most of the cyclones will affect Central and Northern Luzon.
In September 2014, three cyclones entered the Philippine boundary:
Typhoon Luis
Typhoon Luis, with the international name Kalmaegi, made landfall in Northern Luzon. Almost 8,000 individuals were affected and displaced in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Tropical Storm Mario
Tropical storm Mario (internationally known as Fung-Wong) made landfall in the northern tip of Cagayan. The combined effect of Mario and the southwest monsoon caused heavy rains in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.
More than 2 million individuals were affected in the 27 provinces of Regions I, II, III, IV-B, V, VII, CAR and NCR. 18 dead and 16 injured were reported as Mario left the Philippine Area of responsibility (PAR).
Tropical Depression Karding
Tropical depression Karding was first spotted as a low pressure area near Iba, Zambales. Karding did not make any landfall; however, it brought moderate to heavy rain showers in the western part of Luzon.
So don’t forget to arm yourselves with umbrellas and raincoats because according to PAGASA, there will be 22 days of rain this month. Minimum temperature is pegged at 24 degrees Celsius while the maximum is at 31.6 degrees Celsius.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Formerly Bagyong Chedeng, now a Low Pressure Area, is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility today before dissipating.
From an almost supertyphoon intensity, Chedeng weakened as it moved closer to the archipelago due to cold air intrusion and strong vertical wind shear, both factors hindering the retention of the cyclone’s strength.
Added to this is land interaction. When Chedeng’s center hit Dinapigue, Isabela, 8 in the morning of April 5, it gradually became a LPA.
Now estimated at 215 kms. northwest of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, the LPA will bring cloudy skies and rains over the regions of Cordillera, Ilocos and Cagayan Valley. Metro Manila, and the remaining parts of the country, on the other hand will experience a fair weathered Monday, apart from isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, a new tropical cyclone is spotted outside the PAR. A tropical storm category, this cyclone has an international name of Haishen. PAGASA estimates the cyclone at 2,560 kms. east of Mindanao.
Weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar says this cyclone is too far to affect the country and is actually expected to weaken in the following hours. Therefore, Pinoys do not have to worry about Haishen entering our area of responsibility in the following days.
By: Jesy Basco
Tropical Storm Chedeng has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA). The state weather bureau PAGASA has issued its final severe weather bulletin at 5 pm today, stating the LPA was located 60 kilometers southeast of Laoag City or in the vicinity of Kabugao, Apayao. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong, the said weather disturbance is forecast to exit the landmass of Ilocos Norte tomorrow early morning and exit PAR by Tuesday. The LPA has a slim chance to intensify into tropical cyclone, Quitlong added.
All Public Storm Warning Signals are now lifted.
Due to its extended cloud bonds, light to moderate rains are expected in the Northern and Central Luzon including Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos.
Small sea vessels are still alerted against moderate to rough seas over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, including the coastal areas of Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience generally good weather aside from partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
Another tropical cyclone
Another tropical cyclone is being monitored by PAGASA. Located at 2,700 kilometers east of Mindanao, tropical depression “Haishen” (international name) has a maximum sustained winds of 55 kph.
Quitlong said, TD “Haishen” is forecast to dissipate within 24 to 48 hours and brings no threat to any part of the country.
The northeast monsoon or amihan remains to be the dominant weather system affecting Luzon. Amihan is expected to bring light rains over Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains, while Visayas and Mindanao will have a generally fair weather aside from the isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Due to the presence of amihan, gale warning is up over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboards of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon and Visayas. Wind force of 52 to 63 kilometers per hour and wave height ranging from 3.4 to 4.5 meters will be experienced in the seaboards of Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Cagayan, La Union, Isabela, Pangasinan, Ilocos provinces, Aurora, Camarines provinces, Catanduanes, Aurora, and the eastern coasst of Albay, Sorsogon, Quezon including Polillo Island, Samar and Leyte. Sea travel for fishing boats and other small seacraft is risky.
Despite the prevailing amihan, the country still experienced warm weather yesterday. Laoag City’s temperature reached 34 degrees Celsius. Here are the highest temperatures recorded by PAGASA on March 25, 2015:
Meanwhile, PAGASA is monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As of now, it is still too far and according to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza, there is a slim chance for it to enter our boundary until the end of the month. However, all are still advised to monitor updates and further development regarding the weather disturbance.
Dry Spell vs. El Niño
Hundred of hectares of farmlands, and millions worth of damage in crops and fishery products have been observed in different areas of Mindanao, including Zamboanga City and General Santos. PAGASA says this is brought by the “dry spell.” Mendoza explained that dry spell refers to prolonged period of no rainfall for a week or more. It normally occurs in the Philippines, mostly when the temperatures get higher.
On the other hand, El Niño is the unusual warming of the ocean or the increase in the sea surface temperature (SST). PAGASA has initially confirmed a weak El Niño and Mendoza said this can trigger the dry spell that is currently experienced in the country.
At 4 AM, the low pressure area (LPA) was last spotted at 600 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon. Moving westward, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong said it is expected to cross the Bicol Region tonight. As it moves closer to landmass, it will start bringing rains over some parts of Southern Luzon.
Bicol Region, CALABARZON and the province of Mindoro will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Due to the slow pace of the weather disturbance, Quitlong added that rainy weather will prevail over the weekend in most parts of Luzon. However, on Monday, gradual improvement is expected as the LPA traverses the West Philippine Sea.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or amihan has resurged and is now affecting Northern Luzon. Despite its presence, no gale warning was raised today but all are still advised to take extra caution in venturing out into the sea, mostly over the eastern section of Luzon. Coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.
Supermoon occurs this Friday
Tonight’s New Moon is also called the Supermoon, a coincidence of a Full or New Moon with the perigee. New Moon happens when the illuminated part of the Moon facing the Earth is on the back side, blocking the part lit by the sun.
Perigee refers to the point where the Moon is at the closest distance from the Earth, making the satellite appear bigger than usual. However, because it is on its New Moon phase, we will not be able to witness its larger appearance.
From tropical depression category, “Betty” has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA) and was last spotted at 885 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora at 4 AM today. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza clarifies the LPA still has no effect on any part of the country. Today, the whole country can expect generally fair weather with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Moderate to strong winds will prevail over the eastern section of Luzon. Fishing boats and other small seacraft are alerted against moderate to rough sea conditions brought by the nearby weather disturbance.
Meanwhile, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Gener Quitlong said the LPA will start to bring rains tomorrow over the eastern section of Luzon. It is also expected to affect the central and southern portions of Luzon. All are advised to monitor updates and further changes.
On the other hand, despite the presence of “Betty” within the PAR, the country experienced a warm weather yesterday. Here are the highest temperatures recorded on March 18, 2015.
The ridge of a high pressure area has been the dominant weather system during the past few days. According to PAGASA, the northeast monsoon or amihan has not been terminated. In fact, it is expected to re-surge tomorrow, bringing slightly colder weather.
Special Non-Working Holiday
Today marks the celebration of “Sulyog Festival” in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. It is a religious festival which includes dances and cultural shows that honor to St.Joseph.
Meanwhile, the people of Canlaon, Negros Oriental will also celebrate the “Pasayaw Festival”. Derived from the combined word of “Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw” or thanksgiving through dance, it reflects the joy and praise to God through the intercession of St.Joseph.
In line with the mentioned festivals, the palace has declared March 19, 2015 as special non-working holiday both for Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro and Canlaon, Negros Oriental. This aims to give full opportunity to the people to participate in the festivities.