Expect ‘hot’ Christmas – PAGASA

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has forecast a hot Christmas season with the onset of a weak El Niño phenomenon that will last until the first quarter of next year.

PAGASA-Mactan chief weather specialist Engineer. Oscar Tabada said they already have recorded a temperature of 32.4 degrees Celsius in the past two week of this month, which is higher than the normal 24 degrees Celsius.

“If you have 31 degrees Celsius nga temperature sa atong thermometer, ang imong ma-feel sa imong body is not 31 but something about 35,” said Tabada during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

Tabada explained that the thermometer they have is housed in a special shelter while emissions of warm air outside caused by concrete pavements and asphalted roads and the absence of vegetation bring more heat.

Since November 1, PAGASA has recorded 26.7 millimeters rainfall, which is below the 158 mm normal rainfall for 14 days this month.

“Ang normal sa December is 145 mm but nakita sa forecast nga mas minos ang ato expected nga uwan kaysa November,” Tabada said.

PAGASA expects two to three typhoons this month but none is forecasted yet for the next one week, he said.

Tabada said typhoons during El Niño are strong as the temperature is very warm, so the wind becomes stronger.

He said the El Niño would not affect much, though, but he advised the public to be careful about fire due to dry surroundings.

“While March is fire prevention month, expect nga ang November to December dilikado sad sa sunog,” he warned. — (FREEMAN)