We’ve just entered the last month of summer vacation! For some, this is the perfect time to indulge in their “huling hirit sa tag-init” fashion, selfies, playlist and memories. So, wherever you plan to spend the rest of your vacation, make sure to enjoy every moment with your family and friends.
In the midst of the Hot and Dry Season, several areas are recently experiencing rains. Weather-wise, you probably have few questions in mind. Fret not; we’ve already prepared the answers!
Are we expecting a “bagyo” this month?
According to PAGASA, different weather systems normally affect the country during this month. These include the Easterlies, Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA), Tail End of a Cold Front, Intertropical Convergence Zone, Low Pressure Area (LPA) and Tropical Cyclone.
Despite the ongoing tag-init, the weather bureau is not dismissing the possibility of a tropical cyclone to enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this May. An average of 0 to 1 tropical cyclone is expected with its two possible scenarios: 1) a chance of hitting the landmass or 2) re-curving away from the country, depending on the effect of the HPA.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Robert Badrina, historical records in the past 70 years show that tropical cyclones which entered the PAR during May were under Typhoon category. Hence, stronger typhoons usually cross our boundary during this month. The most recent one, Typhoon “Dodong”, entered the PAR on the second week of May last year.
How long will tag-init last?
Hot days are not over yet! PAGASA says tag-init normally lasts until the end of May. Air temperatures and heat indices will continue to soar as the Easterlies and Ridge of HPA prevail within the boundary.
Easterlies are warm and humid winds coming from the Pacific Ocean. This weather system is the main reason why we feel the sweltering heat.
In fact, the highest temperatures in Philippine history were recorded during the month of May.
After a scorching day, why do we experience thunderstorms?
May is considered as “thunderstorm month” because this is the time of the year wherein thunderstorms develop more frequently. As temperatures rise, water cycle also speeds up and becomes more active. This triggers the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, also known as thunderstorm clouds, which bring moderate to heavy rains, gusty winds, along with thunder and lightning.
Expect more thunderstorms in the coming days as we approach the transition period before the rainy season.
How’s El Niño?
PAGASA explains that the El Niño is already in its decaying stage. It will continue to weaken further this May until July, where it is expected to return to its neutral condition.
Though some areas will receive an improved amount of rainfall, several areas should still prepare for the last wave of El Niño. Dry conditions, dry spells and droughts could still affect the country in the next few weeks.
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