Rainy weather due to thunderstorms became prevalent these past few days. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said that thunderstorms are more likely to continue for the rest of September. This weather activity is linked to the southwest monsoon, currently affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This will dump rain showers mostly in parts of MIMAROPA, Eastern and Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, CARAGA, and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon.
The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have sunny weather during morning until noon, and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
Meanwhile, another Low Pressure Area (LPA) is being monitored by the weather bureau. Located at 560 kms. west of Dagupan, the LPA remains to be outside Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
<brToday the southwest monsoon is affecting Palawan and the western section of Visayas and Mindanao. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced over Western Visayas, Caraga northern Mindanao and the province of Palawan.
Meanwhile, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
Last night, most parts of Metro Manila were soaked in heavy rain showers. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza said that the rain showers were cauesd mainly by thunderstorm activities. The accumulated heat from noon until early afternoon resulted to the formation of thunderstorm clouds. These give rise to rain that usually pours between 5 PM – 11 PM. To understand more about thunderstorms, watch this video:Panahon TV interview with PAGASA.
Even during good weather, thunderstorm activities may still happen. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), thunderstorms are formed through convection. This is when the heat accumulated during the day contributes to cloud formation that includes cumulonimbus clouds or thunderstorms cloud.
Avoid Getting Struck
The energy from one lightning flash could light a 100-watt bulb for more than three months. Aside from starting fires, it can also damage electrical equipment. According to NOAA, 80% of lightning fatality victims are male, between the ages of 15 and 40.
It pays to be aware of cumulonimbus clouds. Remember that you are within striking distance of lightning when you hear thunder.
While going indoors is a must, it’s still best to stay away from windows and doors. Some parts of these fixtures are made of metal, a good conductor of electricity.
Monitor weather updates. PAGASA and Panahon TV releases real time updates such as thunderstorm advisories.
Minimize Outdoor Risks
Thunderstorms usually happen in the afternoon or evening. If you are outside when these activities begin, here are some reminders that will keep you safe:
• Avoid tall structures and open areas.
• Stay away from water such as swimming pools, beaches and rivers. Avoid getting wet and avoid wet items.
• Don’t lie flat on the ground. An electrical current produced by a nearby lightning strike can pass through your body—instead do the “thunderstorm squat.”
The Basics of a Thunderstorm Squat
• Crouch low. Do not make yourself the tallest object within the vicinity. Keep your feet close together with heels touching. This will help the electricity to flow continuously from one foot to another.
• Make sure that only a minimal part of your body touches the ground as you squat low. If lightning strikes, the current will most likely travel through your legs, keeping your vital organs like heart safe.
• Cover your ears. Place your hands over your ears. This way, all your extremities are touching together, letting the current just pass through your body.
The Ridge of High Pressure Area remains to be the dominant weather system affecting the country particularly over Northern Luzon.
This weather system associated with fair weather condition will bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies in the following hours. However, thunderstorm formation is still possible mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate, making sea travel fairly easy and breezy with light to moderate winds.
Temperature in Metro Manila plays between 25 to 36°C. Expect to feel a heat index of at least 40.1°C especially after lunch.
Meanwhile, all commuters taking the Metro Rail Transit are advised to leave earlier than usual as queues are expected to be quite longer today. With airconditioning problems, only 9 out of 20 trains will be operational. Avoid the rush hours if possible and bring drinking water to avoid dehydration while waiting for your train to arrive.
Have you ever experienced going out of your house to soak in the sun, only to be drenched by sudden rains hours later?
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), rain showers or thunderstorms usually occur in the afternoon or evening because of the heat accumulated from morning until the latter part of the day.
This scenario is not so strange; in fact it can be explained by one of the most basic weather processes called water cycle.
When the sun heats the earth’s surface, water from the ocean or a body of water evaporates and rises up to the atmosphere. Water vapor forms into clouds and undergoes condensation. When a cloud becomes massive, it can no longer sustain the moisture so it releases water through precipitation in the forms of rain, snow, or hail. The transformation of a cloud from white to a dark grayish color is brought by the lack of passing light from the sun. The cloud becomes thicker, making it hard for sunlight to penetrate.
During a thunderstorm, lightning and thunder also occur, along with gusty winds and moderate to heavy rains. Lightning is caused by the electric charges within the cloud and the ground. The charges at the top of the cloud are positive while negative charges form at the bottom. When these opposite charges connect, they produce a streak of light called lightning.
Meanwhile, thunder is caused by the vibration of air particles due to lightning. Since light travels faster than sound, thunder usually comes after lightning.
The Life Cycle of a Thunderstorm
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), all thunderstorms originate from a thunderstorm cell which has a distinct life cycle lasting for about 30 minutes.
Towering Cumulus Stage
According to PAGASA, there are main ingredients to form a cumulonimbus cloud – moisture, lifting and unstable atmosphere. When the sun heats the ground, the warm air moves upward, condenses and begins to build clouds. The clouds will then grow vertically and densely.
Mature Cumulus Stage
The cloud continues to increase in size, width and height. In this stage, the affected areas start to experience heavy precipitation and gusty winds. NOAA considers this as the most dangerous stage wherein large hail, damaging winds, and flash flooding may occur.
Dissipating Stage
Also called as the “decaying stage”, the cloud begins to collapse because it no longer has a supply of warm moist air to maintain itself and then it dissipates. The weather gradually calms down to light rains and weak wind flow. The top of the thunderstorm cloud usually flattens, spreads out or becomes less defined. Precipitation becomes light and clouds may also begin to evaporate.
How do we know if there’s an incoming thunderstorm?
PAGASA reminds the public of the higher chance of thunderstorms during the Hot and Dry season. As the temperature goes up, evaporation also speeds up. As evaporation becomes more active, the greater the chance of rain in a certain area.
The state weather bureau regularly issues thunderstorm warning levels:
Thunderstorm INFORMATION
This aims to make us aware that there is a slim chance of thunderstorm and that good weather will possibly prevail. However, since the weather keeps on changing, all are still advised to monitor updates.
Thunderstorm WATCH
Watch out! This one already urges the public to prepare as thunderstorm is more likely to occur or affect the area within the next 12 hours. Within the said span of time, it’s best to continuously monitor updates and take precautionary actions.
Thunderstorm ADVISORY
Thunderstorm starts to affect a specific place. This is also used to alert nearby areas that a possible thunderstorm may affect them within the next 2 hours.
What to do during a thunderstorm?
Keep in Mind…
A sunny morning does not always mean it’s going to be sunny all day long. Heat is one of the major factors of water cycle. Whenever clouds are present, there will always be a chance of rain.
We have to remember that the possibility of rain showers or thunderstorms are part of our everyday lives. What we have to do is to be prepared at all times by gearing up with umbrellas and staying updated on weather conditions.
Sources:
PAGASA-DOST
NOAA – NWS
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
The Easterlies now dominate the eastern section of the Philippines, bringing fair weather conditions apart from isolated thunderstorms in the country.
Easterlies are winds coming from the east. They pass through the Pacific Ocean, resulting into warm and humid conditions. This may generate thunderstorms in the latter part of the day especially over the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila has surpassed the highest temperature recorded in April last year. From 35.9 degree celsius in April 27, 2014, Metro Manila experienced the hottest day so far last Saturday, Aprl 18, 2015 with 36.2 degree celsius.
State meteorologist Alvin Pura says temperatures all over the country are expected to rise in the following weeks.
EARTH DAY 2015
Every April 22 each year, the world celebrates the Earth Day. Here are some of the things you can do to protect and conserve Mother Nature.
The cloud cluster spotted yesterday morning has developed into a low pressure area (LPA). It has already entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was estimated at 880 kilometers east of Mindanao this 4:00 AM.
PAGASA Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar said the LPA has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. However, it is expected to move towards Eastern Visayas, traverse the areas of Visayas region until it reaches Palawan. The weather bureau continues to monitor the said weather disturbance.
Meanwhile, the easterlies characterized by warm and humid air coming from the Pacific, will bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly over the eastern section.
On the other hand, the northeast monsoon or amihan has slightly weakened. Coastal waters over Northern Luzon will be moderate to rough while the rest of the country will experience slight to moderate seas.
Special Non-working day in Maragusan
Pursuant to Proclamation No. 908, today was declared as a special non working day in Maragusan, Compostella Valley, This is to give the people an opportunity to participate with the activities in line with the Foundation Day Anniversary of the municipality.
Two weather systems prevail over the country today–the tail-end of a cold front and the northeast monsoon.
Rains are expected over Western and Central Visayas, and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Camarines, Albay, Catanduanes and Sorsogon due to the tail-end of a cold front. This weather system is the front boundary of two air masses, which causes precipitation.
On the other hand, the northeast monsoon or amihan continues to bring lower temperatures and isolated light rains in the regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos. The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms today.
PAGASA weather forecaster Alvin Pura says that so far, there is no monitored weather disturbance inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Meanwhile, rough to very rough sea condition is expected over the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon due to the surge of the amihan. Sea travel along these seaboards is risky as wave height could reach up to 4.5 meters.
TODAY IN HISTORY: THE CLAVERIA DECREE
Since 1850, most Filipino families started using new surnames based on the Claveria list.
On November 21, 1849, Governor General Narciso Claveria began the process of creating a civil registry of the entire population by issuing a decree standardizing records of Filipino names and surnames.
He released the Catálogo Alfabético de Apellidos or the Alphabetical Catalogue of Surnames, which contained 60,662 Spanish and indigenous surnames.
Before the Spanish occupied the Philippines, most Filipinos had just one name. But when people started to convert to Christianity, most took two or three names and changed them whenever they wanted.
This practice created confusion among the Spanish bureaucrats, making tax collection a nightmare. With the Claveria decree, this task, along with law enforcement and setting up church records, became systemized.