PAGASA: LONGER NIGHTS ARE EXPECTED

12 hours long days and nights are expected as autumnal and vernal equinoxes begins (Photo courtesy of Philippine Star)

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as yesterday marked the beginning of the autumnal and vernal equinoxes in the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively, longer nights are expected in the Philippines.

The state weather bureau said with the sun rising at 5:45 a.m. and setting at 5:53 p.m. days and nights will be approximately 12 hours long. “The time discrepancy is caused by atmospheric refraction enabling us to observe the sun minutes before it rises and sets.”

PAGASA weather forecaster Daniel James Villamil noted that the country is moving toward the winter solstice which starts around the third week of December. “The northeast monsoon starts in early November and lasts until February. We can experience colder weather as we are already transitioning from southwest monsoon to northeast monsoon.”

He added that there are now fewer areas affected by the southwest monsoon. “The southwest monsoon does not reach Metro Manila. At present, it only affects Northern Luzon like the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley. It is located offshore and it does not reach many areas in the country.”

Meanwhile, the height of La Niña is forecast between September and November. According to Pagasa, four to seven typhoons are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) until yearend amid the threat of La Niña.

“We are still at La Niña alert, meaning since August, PAGASA has issued a general statement of La Niña-like conditions.” Which means heavy to intense rains are expected until the end of the year as tropical cyclones will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon.

Nine cyclones have entered PAR since January, in a span of a week Tropical cyclones Ferdie, Gener, Helen and Igme entered PAR. And the southwest monsoon will continue to bring rains in the Ilocos Region, Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience rains brought by localized thunderstorms.

Source: Philippine Star 

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