Heads Up! Be fascinated with these awesome and amazing Weather Phenomenon you might see one of these days here in the Philippines.
Weather is one of the most fundamental aspect of our daily lives. Changing over short period of time, weather still has a lot to offer for us to see. On this blog we gather some facts about rare yet awe-mazing weather phenomenon you must dream to see. Let’s Start!
Moon and Sun Halo
This phenomenon is a large optical ring forming around the the sun or moon. The ring is called halo. Halo are caused by ice crystals present in the atmosphere, wherein light coming from the sun or the moon reflect and refract on the tiny ice crystals creating a halo effect around it, it usually occurs when a high, thin cirrus clouds are present. This phenomenon is usually a signal that storms are nearby, because high and thin cirrus clouds are often indicators of rain.
Mammatus Cloud
Pouch-like in shape, usually develops underside of cumulonimbus cloud, mammatus is a rare type of clouds which forms when the sinking air is cooler than air around and having a high liquid water or ice content. Though this cloud is associated with thunder storm and its appearance may seems cause an extreme weather it is not necessarily an indicator of an upcoming severe weather
Though this cloud is associated with thunderstorm and looks like it will cause extreme weather condition it is not necessarily an indicator of an upcoming severe weather.
Raining of Fish
Fish falling out of the sky?
Yes, It’s possible, Fish Rain or Raining Animals is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which flightless animals fall from the sky. Scientist explains that this bizarre event usually occurs when a waterspout or tornado formed over surface of water occurs sucks almost anything in the water including fish, eels, frogs and other marine organism. Those animals can be carried by buffeting cloud even when the waterspout stops spinning.
Fire Rainbow (Iridescence Cloud)
Iridescence Cloud or now known to millennials as unicorn cloud it is a rare weather phenomenon appears like a distorted rainbow embedded in clouds. It occurs when there is a tiny water droplets or small ice crystals present in the atmosphere which diffracts and scattered light from the sun, creating a colorful rainbow-like effect on the cloud. This phenomenon is called cloud iridescence or irisation. The term comes from Iris, the Greek personification of the rainbow.
Lenticular Cloud
Also known as flying saucer cloud and sometimes mistaken for a UFO. Lenticular clouds are a stationary cloud forms at high altitudes in the sky. Usually appears in Mountainous areas, this type of cloud forms aligned or perpendicular to the direction of winds.
Those are some of the awe-mazing weather phenomena that one might dream to see someday. Most of these are rare and will only happen within a certain period of time with right weather condition. But if you’re in luck to see one these amazing weather occurrence take a moment to realized how astounding our nature is, to offer such beautiful sights for us to enjoy.
By Panahon TV Intern – Ramon Santiago
Thought it was a unique experience to witness a Total Solar Eclipse today, March 9, 2015 at 8:59 AM 10:14 AM in the Philippines, we only experienced a Partial Solar eclipse, wherein the Sun’s surface area was covered by the Moon by up to 80%. This is because this year, the Moon is positioned in between the Sun and the Earth–a position that enabled Indonesia, on the other hand, to experience a Total Solar Eclipse.
A Total Solar Eclipse is a rare phenomenon that happens once in every 18 months, and can be seen identically after 18 years and 11 days, which is also called as “Saros Cycle.”
Here are more facts about Solar Eclipses:
• Solar eclipses have 3 types: the Partial, Annular and the Total. The Partial Eclipse doesn’t cover the Sun completely. In the Annular Eclipse, the Moon is able to block the Sun, but the solar eclipse is surrounded by a corona or “halo” because of either two things: 1) the Earth is far from the Moon, or 2) the Earth is closer to the Sun. These circumstances limit the coverage of the Moon. The Total Eclipse happens when the Moon completely obstructs the Sun. The only thing visible in this phase is a fainter solar corona.
• The Total Solar Eclipse today has a maximum time of 7 minutes and 30 seconds. But last July 16, 2000, the Pacific Ocean, Eastern Asia and Australia held the longest recorded Solar Eclipse with 106 minutes and 25 seconds. Meanwhile, the Total Solar Eclipse that happened on August 13, 1859 had the shortest recorded time with just 3 seconds.
• The Lunar Eclipse can only be seen during the Full Moon at night, while the Solar Eclipse occurs in the daytime with the New Moon.
• When there is a Total Solar Eclipse, unfortunate are those who are in the North and South Poles as only a Partial Solar Eclipse can be viewed.
• For those who did not see the Partial Solar Eclipse, the next Total Solar Eclipse can be seen in the Philippines 26 years from now! Mark your calendars on April 20, 2042!
Source(s):
http://www.space.com/30669-10-surprising-lunar-eclipse-facts.html
http://www.livescience.com/32671-whats-a-solar-eclipse.html
The Hot and Dry Season is the perfect time to spend sunny days outdoors with friends and family, which, sometimes, include a furry companion or two. With beloved pets in tow, swimming and playing under the sun becomes more enjoyable. Still, it’s important to remember that like humans, animals are also susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
The expected rise in temperature in the following days may pose challenges to your pet’s well-being. At this time, watch out for potential dangers due to hot weather.
Swimming with Pets
This season, what better way to cool down than swimming? Although it is no secret that our canine friends enjoy swimming, not all dogs have mastered the doggie paddle. Here are some tips to keep your canine friends safe and healthy when taking a dip.
• It is best not to leave pets unsupervised around a pool or on the beach. Small dog breeds may have trouble swimming, so for Lassie’s sake, buy a flotation device to keep your pet safe.
• Prevent your dog from drinking pool water as chlorine and other chemicals may cause him an upset stomach.
• After swimming, rinse your dog with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt to avoid skin irritation.
• Just like people, dogs can have sunburn too with thin-coated and light-colored canines at higher risk. To prevent this, waterproof sunscreen formulated for pets are also available.
Know the Warning Signs: Dehydration and Heat Stroke
Dogs enjoy sitting in the sun as much as cats enjoy lounging in its warmth. However, too much exposure to extreme heat may cause dehydration and heat stroke.
Your furry friend is at risk for heat stroke if he has any of the following characteristics:
• very young
• very old
• has a heart or respiratory disease
• overweight
• short-nosed
• dark-colored,
• thick-coated
• not conditioned to prolonged exercise
Leaving your pet in the car during hot weather is a big no-no, not even with the windows slightly rolled down. This instance results to a rising body temperature of your pet, in which case heat stroke may occur.
Signs include:
• Excessive panting
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased urination
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Dry gums
• Excess lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Refusal to eat
• Glazed eyes
• Seizures
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Unconsciousness
If any of the last four incidents happen, bring your pet to the vet immediately.
To avoid any of the above from happening, be sure to keep plenty of water available for your cat and dog at all times, both indoors and outside. Position them in a shady spot. Help them cool down with a few ice cubes in their water bowl, or even freeze some treats they can enjoy.
It’s all about the timing and street smarts
When the temperature is very high, sidewalks can very hot, capable of harming your pets’ paws and footpads. If you don’t like walking on that pavement with bare feet, limit your dog’s time on it, too.
Stay away from asphalt or rough pavement and only walk your dog in the early morning or late evening when outdoor surfaces are cool. Adjust the exercise routine you have with your canine in accordance with the temperature.
Time to have a trim
Just like any season of the year, grooming is important during warm weather. Feel free to have pet’s mane trimmed but never shave it. The layers of their coats protect them from sunburn and overheating. Your dogs and cats will also thank you for brushing their fur to get rid of matted or excess fur, which can contribute to overheating.
Visit the vet
Having your pets regularly checked is a must especially when parasites such as ticks, fleas and other insects are at their peak during the hot months. Your veterinarian will be able to give recommendations for safe flea and tick solutions.
Just like anyone in your family, your cats and dogs are susceptible to the dangers of hot weather. Protect them from too much sun and heat and you can still continue to have fun in the sun—together.
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.
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