Up to 6 cyclones expected until June

MANILA, Philippines – Up to six tropical cyclones may enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the first half of 2016, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA weather forecaster Lori dela Cruz said zero to one weather system is forecast to enter the country in the first four months of the year.

The number of cyclones in 2016 may still be below the average 19 to 21 storms every year because of El Niño.

Last year, only 15 weather systems entered the country.

PAGASA said El Niño would continue until the first quarter of the year, with the weather becoming neutral by May or June.

Dela Cruz said weather in most parts of the country would remain clear in the next few days, with isolated light rains expected in Luzon including Metro Manila.

“Moderate to strong winds coming from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas,” PAGASA said.

Warmer temperature due to El Niño

Temperatures across the country have started to drop as the New Year set in, but Dela Cruz said this may not be as cold as in the previous years because of the El Niño, which is expected to stay until the first quarter of the year.

The temperature in Baguio City plunged to 14.2 degrees Celsius on New Year’s Day but went up again to over 15 degrees yesterday, PAGASA said.

Baguio registered 12.8 degrees last Dec. 29.

In Metro Manila, the coldest recorded temperature on New Year’s Day was at 23 degrees Celsius at 5 a.m. It further went down to 22.8 degrees yesterday.

The lowest temperature of 6.3 degrees was recorded in Baguio City on Jan. 18, 1961.