PAGASA declares onset of rainy season in PH

(JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

by Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, Manila Bulletin

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of the rainy season on Wednesday, May 18, citing the widespread rains during the last five days.

“The presence of frontal system and the occurrence of severe thunderstorms have brought widespread rains during the last five days in areas under Type I climate and other parts of the country,” PAGASA said in a statement.

PAGASA defines areas under Type I climate classification as those with two pronounced seasons—dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. These include Metro Manila and the western sections of Luzon and Visayas.

“Moreover, southwesterly surface wind flow was also observed during the past few days. This satisfies the criteria of the start of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas,” it said.

PAGASA noted that intermittent rains, associated with the southwest monsoon, locally called “habagat,” will affect Metro Manila and the western sections of the country.

However, it pointed out that breaks in rainfall events, also known as monsoon breaks, which can last for several days or weeks, may still occur.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the ongoing La Niña may still affect some parts of the country, which may increase the likelihood of above-normal rainfall conditions in the coming months.

The State weather bureau added it will continue to monitor the day-to-day weather and long-term climate situation and provide updates when significant changes occur.

Typhoon Season on Despite Looming El Nino

The Philippine government expects the country to still experience tropical cyclones and flooding during 2014's second half despite the possible onset of the drought-driving El Nino phenomen this year.

"We expect an average of 13 to 16 tropical cyclones to develop to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility from July to December, "Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Anthony Lucero said.

Data he presented show that two or three cyclons are expected to occur in July, three or four in August, another three or four in September and several more untill December.

PAGASA noted climate model output suggests cyclones that will enter or develop the Philippines in July may tend to move more along the Philippines' coast.

People must guard against flooding, particularly during the next months, because occurence of flooding is highly possible in low-lying areas. Let's face it: there is no El Nino yet!

Potential Cyclone Nears Mindanao

February 18, 2013 10:23am

Satellite image at 8 a.m., 18 Feb 2013. Satellite image at 8 a.m., 18 Feb 2013 Weather Central

Possible flash floods and landslides threaten parts of Mindanao as a potential cyclone—a low-pressure area—moved closer to Southern Mindanao early Monday, state weather forecasters said.

In a radio interview, PAGASA forecaster Connie Dadivas said the LPA was estimated at 1,120 km east of Southern Mindanao as of 4 a.m.

"May paulan na sa Mindanao. Sa ngayon medyo mahina, 5-7 mm per hour. Pero expect natin in the next 24 hours baka magdulot ito ng moderate to heavy rain," Dadivas said in an interview on dzBB radio.

She also said that while they cannot discount the possibility of the LPA becoming a cyclone, their models presently show it has little chance of intensifying into one.

If the LPA becomes a cyclone while inside the Philippine area of responsibility, it will be codenamed Crising.

"Sa ngayon mahina ang chance maging bagyo. Pagtawid ng Mindanao, LPA pa rin. Sa nakikita natin mahina siya at hindi siya magiging bagyo," she said.

HERE IS MORE:

Potential cyclone nears Mindanao, may bring floods, landslides

Be Again On Guard Against Dengue

The Philippines' weather bureau predicts the onset of the rainy season now. The usually rainy season is six months in the Philippines - from June to November each year. With rains comes flooding, along with threat of illnesses such as dengue fever.

We are all advised here to be vigilant against dengue, a perennial health problem, prevalent in tropical countries such the Philippines. Anyone can fall ill with dengue fever any time during the year but the number of patients increases during the raining season. The dengue-carrying mosquito  called AEDES AEGYPTI, which is black with white spots, lays eggs in clear waters found in flower vases, cans, bamboo husks, empty soft drink bottles, rain barrels, and old rubber tires. Left undetected and treated, dengue could lead to a number of complications.

An expert warned against a "secondary mosquito species - the AEDES ALBOPICTUS - as a possible dengue risk. The forest area at Mount Makiling in Laguna is said to be the natural habitat of this specie. The Department of Health is conducting further studies to validate the threat from this "secondary mosquito species".

The first quarter of 2012 registered a 28.96 percent drop in dengue cases, mostly in Metro Manila - from 23.241 cases in the same period last year, to 16.511 cases this year.

BUT, be on guard as there is no treatment, cure, or vaccine for dengue. A way to prevent it is to maintain clean surroundings to eliminate breeding sites. Prevention involves regular clean up, fogging, spraying of insecticides and larviciding. Clothing, mosquito repellent, and netting can held reduce exposure.