4 tropical cyclones in November not unusual – PAGASA

Metro Manila, Philippines — Four tropical cyclones have affected the Philippines in November so far, but the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the phenomenon is not unusual.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States earlier said that it is an “unusual sight” that four storms “churned simultaneously in the Western Pacific Ocean" this month.

PAGASA weather specialist Chris Perez, however, said it is not odd, considering there is a La Niña condition.

“Ngayon, may La Niña-like condition. So, mas favorable ang atmospheric at saka oceanic condition natin for development ng mga weather system,” Perez explained in a press briefing on Saturday, Nov. 16.

[Translation: Now, there is a La Niña-like condition. So, the atmospheric and oceanic conditions are more favorable for the development of weather systems.]

“Usually, kapag La Niña-like or La Niña condition tayo na na-experience, mas marami ang bilang ng bagyo na nabubuo na mas malapit sa ating bansa kumpara during El Niño po,” he added.

[Translation: Usually, when there is La Niña-like or La Niña condition, the number of cyclones that form near our country are higher than El Niño.]

Perez explained that there are even months that they were able to monitor up to five tropical cyclones.

La Niña is a phenomenon when trade winds are stronger, pushing more warm water to Asia, resulting in heavy rains.