As the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan prevails in Northern Luzon, bringing moderately cold weather and light rains over Metro Manila and the regions of Cagayan valley, Ilocos and CORDILLERA. Meanwhile the Tail-end of a Cold Front will bring light to moderate rains over Central Luzon and the provinces of Quezon. As for the rest of our country, fair weather condition is expected.
Due to the strong winds associated with the Amihan, gale warning is still raised in the seaboards of Northern Luzon. Fisherfolk and those with small seacraft are still not allowed to venture into the said seaboards due to rough to very rough sea conditions.
Meanwhile, according to PAGASA dry condition, dry spell and drought are still expected in the areas in Luzon, Visayas and in Mindanao. This coming December, El Nino might have a more intense effect on our country. The whole nation is encouraged to conserve water. Here are some tips:
3 months to go before Christmas! But before you start decorating your home and playing Christmas carols, know what to expect this month, weather-wise.
PAGASA declared an El Niño event, likely to strengthen before the end of this year, and may last until April to June of 2016. The weather bureau added that this event could be potentially included in the four strongest El Nino events since 1950. Impacts may include below-normal rainfall, and warmer than normal air temperature.
This month, here are the weather systems likely to prevail:
Tail End of a Cold Front
The Cold Front is an area in the atmosphere where masses of warm and cold air converge, resulting in thunderstorms. Ordinarily the Axis of the Cold Front is in the level of Taiwan or Japan. The only part that is affecting the Philippines is its tail end.
Easterly Wave
The Easterly Wave, also known as Easterlies, are winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, bringing warm and humid air. PAGASA said that the easterly wave could prevail during the month of October before the northeast monsoon (amihan) breaks in. The eastern parts of the country are most likely to experience its effect: thunderstorms and isolated rain showers.
2 Tropical Cyclones this month
Because of the El Niño phenomenon, the average tropical cyclones that are likely to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this month are between 1-2. Normally, October has an average of 2 to 3 tropical cyclones.
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.
Low Pressure Area
The LPA is an area that has a 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.
October’s Temperature
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jun Galang explained that during October, temperatures start to deviate which result to colder days. The transition of winds from the Southwest to the Northeast Monsoon influences the average temperature.
Normally, the northeast monsoon (amihan) prevails in the 2nd week of November.
Overall, most of the weather systems this month produce cloudy sky and rain showers. It is advisable to keep monitoring weather updates straight from Panahon TV and PAGASA.
FAST FACTS – October Rainfall Forecast
Below normal rainfall is among the adverse effect of El Niño. This could lead to dry spell and drought condition.
Based on the rainfall forecast from the weather bureau, most parts of the country including the western section of central Luzon and areas over and southern Luzon, western Visayas and some parts of eastern Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula will have way below normal rainfall.
No weather disturbance is being monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, due to the tail end of a cold front affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon and the northeast monsoon prevailing over Northern and Central Luzon, some parts of the country will still experience rains.
The tail end of a cold front is a weather system formed when the cold air mass dominates the warm air mass during wind convergence. It will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms over the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and Quezon province.
Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon, locally known as the amihan, will bring light rains over Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, the province of Aurora, Ilocos Region and the rest of Central Luzon. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Due to the surge of the amihan, gale warning is still up over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Northern and Central Luzon, and the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon and the Visayas. These include Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, the northern coasts of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte, Isabela, the eastern coast of Cagayan, and the provinces of Aurora and Camarines. Catanduanes, the eastern coasts of Albay, Sorsogon and Quezon, Polilio Island, Samar and Leyte. Sea travel is risky for fishing boats and other small seacraft.
Since the peak of the amihan has already ended, here’s a comparison of the lowest temperatures recorded during the last year’s and this year’s peak:
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran explained that recorded temperatures this year are slightly higher compared to 2014 due to the effect of the polar vortex which prevailed during the northern hemisphere’s winter season. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a polar vortex is a semi-permanent upper level circulation that normally resides near the north and south poles.
On the other hand, a cloud cluster was spotted outside the PAR but PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said that it has a slim chance of affecting the country within the next three days. All are still advised to monitor updates from the weather bureau.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Weather Forecaster Jun Galang says it has a slim chance of entering the boundary so it will not have any effect in the archipelago in the next two to three days.
Most parts of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. The tail end of a cold front, however, will affect the eastern section of Central Luzon, bringing cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms over the provinces of Aurora and Quezon.
Galang added that the amihan still prevails in the country, but this time it will just reach the northern part of Luzon. With this, gale warning is up over the seaboards of Northern Luzon due to the rough to very rough sea conditions. Fishing boats and other small seacraft are prohibited to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
Meanwhile, here are the lowest temperatures recorded yesterday:
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz confirmed that the peak of the amihan has already ended. Thus, temperatures will gradually rise in the coming days as the amihan continues to weaken. Loiz also clarified that we may be experiencing the warm weather but PAGASA has yet to declare the official hot & dry season.
There are certain factors to consider before PAGASA declares the official onset of “tag-init” in the Philippines. These include the consecutive increase in temperature, the termination of the northeast monsoon, and the presence of the easterlies.
Kung Hei Fat Choi: MPD issues traffic advisory
In line with the celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Manila Police District issued a traffic advisory. A float parade will be conducted today, February 19, 2015, at 2:00 PM. This parade will be traversing the following route:
– start at Juan Luna (Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz)
– left to Plaza Cervantes
– right to Quintin Paredes
– left to Sta.Cruz Church
– right to Ronquillo
– left to Ongpin
– left to Sabino Padilla
– right to Quintin Paredes
– right to Ongpin
– left to Sabino Padilla
– left to Soler
– left to Reina Regente
– end point at Reina Regente (Lucky Chinatown)
Heavy traffic is expected within the Binondo area so motorists are advised to take the following alternative routes: McArthur Bridge, Quezon Bridge and CM.Recto Avenue.
Know more about the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
The tail end of a cold front is now affecting the eastern section of Northern Luzon. This is the boundary where cold and warm air meets, resulting to precipitation. In effect, Cagayan Valley will have cloudy skies with the possibility of light to moderate rain showers.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cordillera and Central Luzon will have isolated light rains.
Good weather condition is expected over the rest of the country, aside from the possible occurrence of drizzle.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said there is an LPA (low pressure area) outside PH boundary. This will have no direct effect on PH weather but its cloudiness is extending over Mindanao area.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is being observed today, February 18, 2015, which marks the Lenten season.
Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church. Ash Wednesday is part of the Catholic preparation for Christ’s Resurrection on Eastern Sunday. This is the season of penance, reflection and fasting.
The tail end of a cold front, a weather system formed when the cold air mass dominates the warm air mass, will affect the eastern section of Luzon today. Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Bicol Region, and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will have 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.
At 2:00 AM today, the low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was estimated at more than 2,000 kilometers east of Southern Mindanao. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Manny Mendoza said it is still far to affect any part of the country. However, it has a possibility to enter the boundary on Sunday, February 15. Changes may still occur so everyone is advised to monitor updates.
Meanwhile, according to Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran, the inflow of the northeast monsoon or amihan was slightly deflected due to the eastward movement of the high pressure area. It is expected to re-intensify this weekend bringing back colder nights and early mornings.
Below are the lowest temperatures recorded by the weather bureau this morning:
PAGASA to lead National Astronomy Week
By virtue of Proclamation No.130, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spearheads the annual celebration of the National Astronomy Week every third week of February. This year, it will be held on February 16 to 20, 2015 with the theme: ” Reaching Our People: Transferring Knowledge in Astronomy”.
In line with this, different activities were prepared for the celebration, including free planetarium shows, stargazing and telescoping sessions, the Star Party Contest for high school students, seminar/workshop on astronomy for public Science teachers in Laoag City, free mobile planetarium shows, and the giving away of free posters in astronomy.
For those interested, contact 434-2715, 929-1237 or 927-5509 for reservations.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio confirms that the cloud cluster has already developed into a low pressure area (LPA). As of 2:00 AM today, it was estimated at 2,600 kilometers east of Mindanao. Aurelio added it is still too far to affect any part of the country. However, all are still advised to monitor updates as it may enter the boundary next week.
Today, the tail end of a cold front and northeast monsoon will be the dominant weather systems. The tail end of a cold front is formed when the cold air mass dominates the warm air mass during a convergence. Northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, is cold and dry air coming from Mainland China or Siberia.
The tail end of a cold front will dump light to moderate rain showers and isolated thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region. Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light rains.
Metro Manila and the rest of the Northern and Central Luzon can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains while the rest of the country will have generally fair weather aside from possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
As amihan prevails over Luzon, dropping temperatures will continue. Here are the lowest temperatures recorded yesterday.
Meanwhile, gale warning was already terminated by PAGASA because the amihan has weakened. However, the eastern seaboard of Southern Luzon will have moderate to rough sea condition with wave height ranging from 2.1 to 4 meters.
Parañaque to celebrate cityhood anniversary
By virtue of Proclamation No.955, Malacañang has declared Februrary 13 (Friday) as a special non-working holiday in Parañaque City. This is to give the people the full opportunity to participate in the activities in line with their cityhood anniversary.
Tomorrow’s event also aims to highlight the richness of city’s heritage and to mark Parañaque as an economic and business powerhouse. According to the city’s official website, the celebration will include a colorful Karakol procession and Sunduan Festival at Bulungan, Barangay Huerta.
A new cloud cluster was spotted outside PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility). According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz, this could intensify into a Low Pressure Area (LPA) and could possibly enter within the PAR. Continuous monitoring of the weather condition is advisable.
Meanwhile, two weather systems are still prominent with the PAR. The northeast monsoon continues to affect Luzon while the tail end of a cold front prevails in Eastern Visayas. Loiz said aside from the expected rain showers, an LPA could also be formed from the tail end of a cold front.
Today, Eastern Visayas will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers. Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Quezon, Aurora and Camarines Norte will have cloudy skies with possible light rains due to the northeast monsoon.
The rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, may experience drizzle but generally fair weather condition is expected within 24 hours. The rest of Visayas and Mindanao can enjoy sunny weather. Residents are advised against possible localized thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Another quake hits PH
A magnitude 5.7 quake hit Mercedes, Eastern Samar yesterday at 9:29 in the evening.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said aftershocks are expected to happen. Levels of intensities were recorded due to the said quake.
The Philippines is forecast to remain bagyo-free in the remaining days of January. However, two weather systems will still prevail in the country – the Tail-end of a Cold Front affecting Eastern Visayas and the Northeast Monsoon ub Luzon.
Based on PAGASA’s latest weather forecast, Eastern Visayas and CARAGA will continue to experience light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. Luzon, including Metro Manila, will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated cases of light rains. The rest of Visayas and Mindanao, on the other hand, can expect fair weather conditions today.
The weather bureau also released the final gale warning as the surge of the Northeast Monsoon weakened. Sea condition will be moderate to rough.
Meanwhile, PAGASA recorded 18.1°C in Metro Manila today, January 76, 2015. So far, this is the lowest temperature listed in the said area during the current Amihan Season. State meteorologist Buddy Javier says lower temperatures are still possible in the following days or weeks as we are still in the peak months of the Northeast Monsoon.
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