Storms in December may veer towards south — PAGASA

Metro Manila, Philippines — Storms that may develop in December may impact areas south of the country, the weather bureau said on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

In a briefing, Marcelino Villafuerte, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) deputy administrator for research and development, said the northeast monsoon or amihan might begin by “first few days next week” and may alter the storm path.

“Kapag ka ito ay nag-onset na, kumbaga may northeasterly windflow na tayo and well established na siya, ang mga tropical cyclones once na nabuo ay more to the south ang tatahaking path,” Villafuerte said.

“Roughly Visayas and Mindanao areas naman ‘yong maaaring maapektuhan kung sakali man po magkaroon ng bagyo by December,” he added.

[Translation: Once the onset occurs, the northeasterly windflow will be well-established, the tropical cyclones will have a path towards the south. Roughly, Visayas and Mindanao areas will be affected if there will be tropical cyclones during December.]

The possible onset of the amihan season during the Nov. 18 to 22 period is after the passage of “Pepito.” This would be the local name of the tropical cyclone with an international name “Man-yi” once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

In the same briefing, PAGASA senior weather specialist Chris Perez said “Pepito” may hit land in eastern Visayas or central or northern Luzon.

Its track in the latest forecast showed a possible landfall in the eastern coast of Luzon.

Perez said there’s a ridge of high pressure in the northern part of the country. This weather system could influence the movement of Typhoon “Ofel” and “Man-yi” until the weekend.

“Iniiwasan ng mga bagyo itong ridge of high pressure area. Dahil nasa northern part ito, hindi ito makakilos ng pa-hilaga, more on pa-kanluran or westward ang nagiging pagkilos nito,” Perez said.

[Translation: Tropical cyclones avoid this ridge of high pressure area. Because it’s in the northern part, tropical cyclones cannot move northwards, more on westward.]

Northern Luzon has been battered by successive storms since October. The government has to sustain rescue and relief efforts due to strong winds and rains from the tropical cyclones.

PAGASA said it expects one or two tropical cyclones to affect the country in December.