By Christine Fabro
About 10 to 15 tropical cyclones are likely to enter the country for the next five months, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Saturday, June 3.
PAGASA Weather Specialist Benison Estreja said tropical cyclones may occur from June to October this year, following the onset of the rainy season.
“For the next five months o simula ngayong Hunyo hanggang Oktubre, possible ‘yung between 10 to 15 tropical cyclones,” Estreja said.
“May mga magla-landfall lalo sa Luzon at Visayas at kung hindi naman magla-landfall ay mag-eenhance ito ng habagat o southwest monsoon lalo na sa kanlurang parte ng ating bansa,” he added.
The weather specialist also clarified that rains will still occur despite a possible declaration of an El Niño phenomenon between June and July this year.
“Kapag mayroon tayong El Niño phenomenon na idedeklara either this month or sa buwan ng Hulyo ay hindi naman ibig sabihin na mababawasan na ang ating pag-ulan,” Estreja explained.
He added that extreme weather events such as above-normal rainfall conditions will persist for the next three months. – gb