Summer is here

CEBU, Philippines - It’s official: Summer has started.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) acting administrator Vicente Malano said yesterday the wind system has shifted from northeasterly (cold air) to easterly (warm and humid air). 

The prevalence of the easterly wind or the warm and humid air from the Pacific Ocean is the criterion in declaring the dry or summer season in the country. 

Malano said gradual increase of the daily air temperature is expected over most parts of the country in the coming days. 

“The weather condition will be mostly hot and sunny with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms, particularly over the eastern section,” Malano said.

PAGASA recorded the warmest temperature in Metro Manila at 2 p.m. yesterday at 34.2 degrees Celsius. 

Malano said the eastern section of the Visayas and Mindanao would have moderate to rough seas due to the strong easterly winds.

PAGASA deputy administrator Flaviana Hilario warned against slightly warmer temperatures in Central Visayas, some parts of Luzon including Metro Manila, and some parts of Luzon during the dry months. 

“Yes. Summer na,” said Oscar Tabada, head of the PAGASA-Visayas, in a text message to The FREEMAN yesterday.

In a press release posted on its website (www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph) and signed by Acting Administrator Vicente Malano, PAGASA announced late afternoon yesterday the start of summer, which means more outdoor activities and trips to the beach.

”These synoptic conditions signified the recession of the northeast monsoon. Gradual increase of the daily air temperature is expected over most parts of the country in the coming days, and weather conditions will be mostly hot and sunny associated with warm and humid air with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms, particularly, over the eastern section,” read the online advisory.

”The northward migration of the Siberian High Pressure Area, and the establishment of the Ridge of North Pacific High Pressure Area that extended to the north of the country, have shifted the wind direction from northeasterly to easterly,” the online press release further discussed.  Hilario said no El Niño event was forecast to aggravate the summer heat at least until May. 

However, she said foreign climate prediction centers reported a 50-50 chance of El Niño development in the third quarter of this year.

El Niño refers to the unusual warming in the equatorial Pacific and is usually associated with below normal rainfall. 

PAGASA Mactan Officer-in-Charge Al Quiblat earlier said this year is expected to have less number of weather disturbances like typhoons. — Philippine Star News Service with Jessa J. Agua/RHM