Forecast Weather Conditions Draw Calls vs. Flooding, Landslides

The dry season is over. Thus, an expert cautioned against flooding and landslides, expecting increasingly wetter weather in forthcoming months with the rainy season’s onset this week and this may worsen by possible onslaught of the rain-driving La Nina phenomenon in late 2016.

“People must avoid areas prone to flooding and landslides as we’ll likely experience much rainfall during 2016’s second half,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) senior weather specialist Anthony Lucero said Tuesday on the side of a press conference.

He noted the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and tropical cyclones (TCs) are among weather systems that can bring rain to the country during the second semester.

“Any of the eight to 17 TCs expected in the country then can be disastrous so people must prepare accordingly,” he warned.

La Nina will increase rainfall during the rainy season, he continued.

Despite the rainy season’s onset, Lucero said the El Ninophenomenon may still prevail in some parts of the country so these areas will continue to experience rainfall shortage.

PAGASA expects El Nino to last until July 2016 then transition to neutral afterwards.

In a statement released Tuesday, PAGASA Acting Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano said onset of the rainy season associated with “habagat” is already in progress.

“Cloudy skies with scattered rains, particularly in the afternoon, are anticipated to continue in days ahead,” he also said.

Malano, however, clarified the country may experience breaks in rainfall events after several days.

PAGASA made the announcement, noting “widespread” rainfall as well as change in wind direction from east to south and southwest during the past days already indicated shift from dry to wet or rainy season.

“There are cloud clusters over most areas of the country and more are coming — it’s a clear manifestation of the rainy season’s onset,” Lucero also said.

However, he noted rainy weather has its advantages as rainfall will help fill up dams and provide water for crops.

People can also store water from rainfall for use in their houses, he added. (PNA) LGI/CJT/EDS